By Michael V. Cusenza
In the week since the U.S. Justice Department announced the dismissal of the public corruption indictment of Mayor Eric Adams, Empire State Democrats have been sharpening their knives with their eyes on Gracie Mansion, pointing to what seems like an odorous political quid pro quo bubbling just under the surface of the DOJ decision.
Predictably, Adams has been defiant.
“I want to be crystal clear with New Yorkers: I never offered — nor did anyone offer on my behalf — any trade of my authority as your mayor for an end to my case. Never.
“I am solely beholden to the 8.3 million New Yorkers that I represent and I will always put this city first.
“Now, we must put this difficult episode behind us so that trust can be restored, New York can move forward, and we can continue delivering for the people of this city,” Hizzoner wrote in a Feb. 14 statement.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. met with Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday to discuss the weekend’s startling development: the resignation of four deputy mayors.
“New York City, its values and its diverse communities are under threat now more than ever before — the obvious targets of an extremist, xenophobic federal administration that has no interest in the common good. Meanwhile, far too many New Yorkers are struggling to find affordable housing, a good-paying job or opportunities for their children to grow,” Richards said in a carefully written statement. “We need steady-handed leadership at City Hall that can not only weather these crises but address them head-on and continue to move New York City forward. New Yorkers deserve that from a laser-focused government they can trust, and I encourage Mayor Adams to give deep, honest thought as to whether his administration is capable of delivering such a government.”
On Tuesday, Hochul issued her own lengthy series of remarks.
“Earlier today I spoke with First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer to express my gratitude for her years of service to New York City. She, along with Deputy Mayors Anne Williams-Isom, Meera Joshi and Chauncey Parker, have been strong partners with my administration across dozens of key issues. If they feel unable to serve in City Hall at this time, that raises serious questions about the long-term future of this mayoral administration,” Hochul said.
“I recognize the immense responsibility I hold as governor and the constitutional powers granted to this office. In the 235 years of New York State history, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly-elected mayor; overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly. That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored.
“Let me be clear: my most urgent concern is the well-being of my 8.3 million constituents who live in New York City. I will be monitoring this situation extraordinarily closely to ensure that New Yorkers are not being shortchanged by the current crisis in City government.”
