Who has the lyrics stuck in their head from last night’s Inner Circle Show? The highly anticipated show was a huge success last night. From “Unpopular” sung to the tune of Wicked’s “Popular” featuring Mayor Adams (James Ford) and Governor Hochul (Samantha Liebman) – to Andrew Siff’s “Hey Lieber!” to the tune of Imagine Dragon’s “Beliver,” I can’t be the only one still laughing and reminiscing on last night. (Inner Circle: When will the video recording be online and/or can you release the music on a streaming service so we can re-listen?)
I also can’t be the only one who realized that there are two Imran Ansaris working in and around New York government and politics – and they’ve never met one another! (I’m going to introduce them and film it, don’t worry ;))
My favorite skit was played by Robert George as Jumaane WIlliams, doing a reenactment of the famous Eric Adams video of him searching a kid’s bedroom to find hidden drugs. The skit was Jumaane looking around Eric’s home for hidden “evidence” of “corruption” and found Turkish Airline tickets, illegal campaign contributions and expedited Department of Buildings documents LOL I am still laughing out loud.
The best part is, it’s all in good fun – it’s truly my favorite thing in the world that as much as there is fighting and partisanship and finger-pointing… We can all be together and laugh at ourselves (and happily pay $950 per person to do so! THAT’S THE NEW YORK SPIRIT)
Anyway, this week was a lot of fun, or maybe I’m just still in a good mood from last night. Beginning the week with the Mayor’s press conference at which NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch – with glistening diamond studs in her ears, and an equally sparkly crystal-encrusted fun necklace – spoke about being in Albany to discuss modifying the state’s current discovery reform laws, to then seeing her in the audience smiling at Jillian Jorgensen depicting her on stage during Inner Circle – just gives us all hope that we can indeed persevere and unite… right?
Speaking of sparkly things, we must know where Marcia Kramer gets her nails done – she has crystal studs glued onto her nails! Adrien Lesser, let’s get manis with her…
The Room Where It Really Happened: Inner Circle Highlights
Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, was the presenting sponsor—supporting a new $100 million cyber civil defense initiative through his Take 9 cybersecurity campaign. Food connoisseur Eric Phillips, who works with Newmark Philanthropies, was amongst the stars in the audience, alongside former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. The show opened up with the young ensemble of PS103 Bronx who were pure WOW singing the Star Spangled Banner.
First-timers to the show included former State Senator David Carlucci, Cozen O’Connor’s Jamie Ansorge, and Queens First Lady, Tameeka Richards… Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Chris Boyle from his team were seated at the NY Post table. Also spotted: Nomiki Konst and former Mayor Bill de Blasio, sitting alongside Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and India Sneed; Masha Pearl from The Blue Card, and FDNY Commissioner Chief of Staff Luis Martinez… Hunter Gross and Eileen Cifone from National Grid shared laughs during one of the show’s more risqué musical numbers… spotted in between acts: Oaktree Solutions’ Ariel Palitz rocking a fresh hair cut, taking photos at the step-and-repeat with Council Member Carlina Rivera… NY1’s Jillian Jorgensen alongside her husband Andrew and beautiful mother Judi.. and another glamorous notable couple: Marvin & Lori Scott.
Long Island City Partnership’s Laura Rothrock looked red carpet-ready, glammed and glowing at a table hosted by Greenberg Traurig. Jennifer Weprin overheard planning a Parisian adventure in her role with the French-American Foundation and Mark Weprin is already recruiting VIPs for his annual Mets Game Outing (I shot a tee-shirt out of the cannon at the event last year, no big deal 😉
And we hear Nicholas & Lence’s Josh Knoller is lobbying for next year’s Inner Circle to be a brunch party with themed cocktails like “Bloody Mayors” and “Mayoral Mimosas” … we love it.
IN OTHER NEWS
The Smart City Expo at the Javits Center brought tech policy folks and city leaders together to talk data, mobility, and urban design. NYCDOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez spoke on a panel alongside Deputy Mayor Tiffany Raspberry and International Affairs Commissioner Ed Mermelstein. Ellie Reda, CEO of Stratford Solutions, was in the audience sporting a sequined brooch – having had a past career in fashion…. Her company just placed someone with DOT—proof that creative brains can build cities!
Happy Outdoor Dining Season! Over 2,400 locations began setting up this week, and they’ll be open through November 29. The city launched a dedicated website: DiningOutNYC.info for all the logistics, questions, and signage needs…
Mayor Adams and DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga announced the city’s new minimum pay rate for app-based delivery workers: $21.44/hour before tips. Kassandra Perez-Desir of DoorDash—spotted at Dumbo House this week—reminded us there are over 150,000 Dashers working across NYC. That’s an economic ecosystem all its own.
Wanna meet the Chairman of The Tetris Company? We hear he’ll be at the Barnes & Noble in Midtown Manhattan on April 9 signing his new book The Perfect Game: Tetris — From Russia with Love. All proceeds benefit his nonprofit, Blue Planet Alliance.
The lunch scene at Fresco by Scotto is frequented by attorney and lobbyist Brad Gerstman who was spotted there this week chatting with attorney Frank Sinatra—yes that’s his real name – about the city’s current cast of characters…
POLITICAL PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK
Imran Ansari (x2!)
Imran Ansari is a Partner at Aidala Bertuna & Kamins, PC and serves as Vice President & Legal Counsel at Gotham Government Relations. He brings extensive experience in personal injury, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Imran began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted hundreds of cases involving robbery, assault, attempted murder, and other serious charges. His time as a prosecutor sharpened his trial skills and earned him a reputation as a formidable courtroom advocate.
Following his tenure in public service, Imran transitioned to private practice at a prominent personal injury and civil litigation firm. There, he handled a wide range of cases including construction site accidents, motor vehicle collisions, slip/trip and falls, toxic exposure, and wrongful death. He regularly brought cases to trial and negotiated favorable settlements for clients facing life-altering injuries.
At Aidala Bertuna & Kamins, Imran continues to apply his courtroom experience and legal strategy to a broad portfolio of cases. He is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. He is also an active member of several bar associations throughout New York City. In his additional role at Gotham Government Relations, he provides legal insight and strategic counsel on matters at the intersection of law, policy, and public affairs.
Before entering the legal field, Imran worked as a television producer at Court TV. Today, he frequently appears as an on-air host and legal analyst for the Law & Crime Network and as a commentator for Court TV, offering expert analysis on high-profile legal cases.
THE OTHER IMRAN
Imran Ansari is the Downstate NY Lead Representative for Economic Development at National Grid, where he focuses on fostering economic growth and development initiatives in the region. He has built a career in government, politics, and community engagement across Long Island since 2013.
Imran began his professional journey as an executive assistant to Congressman Steve Israel, followed by roles with Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. In these positions, he gained experience in constituent services, social media management, community outreach, and intergovernmental relations. He later served as the Nassau County Regional Representative for Governor Andrew Cuomo, acting as a liaison between the Governor’s Office and local stakeholders.
Expanding his focus beyond government, Imran became Vice President of Community Engagement at Discover Long Island during the COVID-19 pandemic. There, he supported the hospitality sector by coordinating with regional partners, disseminating critical funding information, and advocating for state legislation to support tourism recovery.
A Hofstra University graduate with a degree in political science, Imran has consistently pursued opportunities to strengthen Long Island’s communities through public service, strategic advocacy, and coalition-building.
