NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul consulted with New York Black leaders to evaluate the situation surrounding Mayor Eric Adams. Their feedback highlighted shared apprehensions about his legal issues and political dilemmas as he approaches re-election.
Despite these concerns, they advised the Democratic governor to postpone any decisions on his removal until a judge rules on the federal corruption charges against Adams on Wednesday.
Assessing the Situation
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who met with Governor Hochul, emphasized the complexity of her position. “It’s not an easy thing. This is a Black sitting mayor, the second Black mayor in [city] history,” he remarked. “While I’m not trying to use racial politics, even if she was going to do it, she would need support from individuals like myself.”
Reflecting on his constituents' sentiments, Richards shared, “I have not seen my constituents totally turn their back, but they are watching intensely to see how the mayor navigates this chaos and controversy.” These constituents formed a significant portion of Adams' supporters during his successful 2021 campaign.
Since Adams' indictment in September, Governor Hochul refrained from exercising her authority to remove him. Instead, she encouraged the mayor to address the situation by dismissing tainted members from his team.
Recent developments in Adams' case, however, have prompted Hochul to reconsider her approach. The resignation of federal prosecutor Danielle Sassoon, who accused the administration of a quid pro quo deal to drop the corruption charges, raised further concerns. Additional obstruction charges against Adams are also under consideration by federal prosecutors in Manhattan.
In response to these allegations, Adams' attorney, Alex Spiro, vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the accusations as baseless.
While Governor Hochul refrained from public statements on Tuesday, she expressed unease over the allegations of impropriety.
Defiance Amidst Challenges
Addressing attendees at a Black History Month event at the NYPD police academy on Tuesday night, Adams projected confidence in the face of mounting pressure.
“I don’t care how strong the winds of adversity may be and how many haters think they’re gonna continue to hate,” Adams declared. “As long as you hate, I’m going to let you know: haters will be my waiters when I sit down at the table of success.”
While Hochul possesses the authority to remove Adams and other local officials under state law, she engaged in discussions with key political figures in New York on Tuesday. Notable figures included Al Sharpton, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and City Comptroller Brad Lander, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries scheduled for a meeting.
These meetings followed Speaker Adams' call for the mayor's resignation, a move that influenced other elected officials to echo similar sentiments. Subsequently, four of Adams' deputy mayors announced their intentions to resign after a tense internal meeting.
The judge overseeing Adams' corruption case summoned him to court on Wednesday at 2 p.m. for deliberations on the government's request to dismiss the charges.
Sharpton, relaying insights from his conversation with Governor Hochul, emphasized the need for resolution amidst the turmoil. “People have been shaken, and there needs to be a resolve,” he asserted. “But at the same time, we must protect the law and not establish a precedent that could come back to haunt us.”
While some participants described the closed-door meetings as productive, others remained cautious in their assessments.
Looking Ahead
Jeffries, anticipating his meeting with Hochul, expressed concern over the unfolding events. “It’s a deeply disturbing development,” he remarked. “Mayor Adams has a responsibility to decisively demonstrate to the people of New York City that he has the capacity to continue to govern in the best interest of New Yorkers as opposed to taking orders from the Trump administration.”
Amidst these discussions, Adams opted to cancel his weekly media Q&A session for the second consecutive week. While he made public appearances, he refrained from addressing questions about the internal challenges at City Hall, opting instead to criticize the press.
As the situation evolves, Governor Hochul continues to deliberate on the best course of action, mindful of the implications of her decision. With stakeholders closely monitoring the developments, the fate of Mayor Adams hangs in the balance.
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