NYC Public Advocate Calls for Change in the City Council's Spending

De Blasio is calling for the elimination of the City Council's system for discretionary funds, also known as member items.

His announcement comes after the arrests of Council Member Dan Holloran and State Senator Malcolm Smith earlier this week for political bribery.

De Blasio says if Holloran is goes to jail, it'll be the fourth time a Council member has been convicted in four years for misuse of discretionary funds. 

"Public confidence has been eroded to such a point that can't keep doing this and we can't continue this year," said de Blasio, "Because people will think city government is making a mockery of them if they continue to give out money in the same old fashion."

De Blasio is suggesting a merit-based system for discretionary funds and more public participation in the spending process.