By Michael V. Cusenza
Newly minted City Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola on Tuesday said the political fate of beleaguered Mayor Eric Adams should be placed in the palms of the voters.
“Our city is at a critical, and very vulnerable, junction. We have very real problems and our constituents require our full effort and the cooperation of all levels of government to solve them. Our priority must be working for the betterment of our city and improving the quality of life of its residents,” Ariola said.
“While I respect the opinions of my colleagues in government, taking the unprecedented step of removing a duly elected mayor a few months before an election is not only un-democratic, but it would also be incredibly disruptive and potentially disastrous for the people we serve. The fate of New Yorkers and who represents them should be determined by the voters.”
Photo Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Adams has refused to resign.
On Monday, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who has been incredibly critical of Hizzoner in recent weeks, continued the onslaught.
“With the resignation of deputy mayors, it has become clear that Mayor Adams has now lost the confidence and trust of his own staff, his colleagues in government, and New Yorkers. He now must prioritize New York City and New Yorkers, step aside and resign,” she wrote. “This administration no longer has the ability to effectively govern with Eric Adams as mayor. These resignations are the culmination of the mayor’s actions and decisions that have led to months of instability and now compromise the City’s sovereignty, threaten chaos, and risk harm to our families. There is too much at stake for our city and New Yorkers to allow this to continue. We have endured enough scandal, selfishness and embarrassment, all of which distract from the leadership that New Yorkers deserve. This is the opposite of public service. Our City needs a leader totally committed to protecting New Yorkers and improving their lives.”
