What the Bosses Can’t Do

A n outfit pushing for more woman on the City Council recently asked all eight candidates for speaker to embrace the drive. But backroom dealing by county bosses had already determined that Corey Johnson would win the job — exposing where “21 in ’21” needs to target its efforts.

That is, on the political machines, clubhouses, nonprofits and unions that actually produce future council members.

The group’s executive director, Moira McDermott, was able to brag that Johnson is already committed “to empower his female colleagues, promote qualified women within his staff, encourage women to run, and help create a pipeline of women for the future — all of 21 in ’21’s goals.”

Yet most council races are foregone conclusions by Election Day, just as the speak- ership was settled before new members even took office. Primaries for open seats are the only real target of opportunity — and support from unions and machines is the main key to victory.

McDermott’s group aims for 21 women on the council after the 2021 election, up from the 11 it has now. It’s certainly achievable: The number was 18 back in 2009.

But the speaker, and even county bosses like Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens), can’t do much to change the city’s political culture. You need to look lower down the pyramid: at unions like the Hotel Trades Council, 32BJ and 1199 SEIU; at the political clubhouses and social-services nonprofits where many future pols get their start.

“21 in ’21” is fine branding, but mass-market appeal still has little to do with city politics.