FILE – New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks in New York’s Times Square during a news conference on Dec. 30, 2022. FBI agents seized phones and an iPad from Adams this week as part of an investigation into his campaign finances, according to a published report, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
In today’s political landscape, the scarcity of leadership that embodies morals, ethics, integrity, fairness, and equity is not just alarming; it’s a crisis. As Potter Stewart once said, “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.”
This quote resonates today, underscoring the crucial and urgent need for leaders who understand and uphold ethical principles. Today, I call on the Mayor of New York City, Mr Adams, to know the difference and do what is right, or face the historical precedent for the removal of a mayor.
Since his election as Mayor, Mr. Adams’s leadership has been tarnished by serious issues such as nepotism, arrogance, poor management, and federal investigation of his closest aides and the campaign that elected him. The demand for ethical leadership is not just a preference; it’s an imperative we cannot afford to ignore.
Here are the grave allegations that have shrouded Mayor Adams’s leadership in a dark cloud, highlighting the seriousness of the situation:
Nepotism: In 2022, Mr. Bernard Adams was proposed to become a deputy commissioner of governmental affairs but later became executive director of mayoral security after the appointment spurred controversy and allegations of nepotism. The mayor appointed Philip Banks III as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, a former deputy NYPD commissioner, despite his controversial public service stint, resulting in him being named an unindicted co-conspirator in a federal police corruption case. The mayor’s sister-in-law, Sharon Adams, was also hired by the Department of Education as a strategic initiative specialist. Lisa White, a former worker of the mayor and someone with whom he had a landlord/tenant agreement, was appointed as NYPD Deputy Commissioner despite her previous job as a 911 call operator.
Timothy Pearson, the mayor’s former NYPD friend and confidant, was employed as a senior advisor on public safety and coronavirus recovery; Edu Hermelyn, husband of Brooklyn Democratic Party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, was appointed as senior advisor for strategic initiatives.
Pragya Nandini, the deputy director of Adams’ successful 2021 campaign for mayor and the deputy director of his transition, was appointed by the Department of Education as a “strategic initiative specialist.” All these appointments carry six-figure salaries with varying city perks to complement.
Poor Fiscal Management: Throughout his administration, the mayor’s decisions have had a profound and distressing impact on our city. His announcement of several million cuts to various city agencies, blaming the migrant influx, has only served to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and burden city employees and residents already struggling with the high cost of living. These budget cuts will have a devastating impact on every resident who relies on public services. This includes cuts to early childhood education, summer school, Department of Education funding, school food programs, park services, sanitation services, fire services, and library hours. Additionally, cultural institutions, such as the City University of New York, domestic violence shelters, and climate and storm resiliency programs, will also face cuts. His actions have cast a dark and ominous shadow over the city’s future, leaving us distressed and uncertain.
Adams’s attack on city services has injected deep social and economic stress into the lives of ordinary New Yorkers, who are already teetering on the edge. His actions have cast a dark shadow over the city’s future, leaving us distressed and uncertain. The impact of his decisions is not just a matter of policy but a direct threat to the well-being of our fellow New Yorkers. The cuts to early childhood education, summer school, Department of Education funding, school food programs, park services, sanitation services, fire services, and library hours directly affect the quality of life for many New Yorkers.
Allegations of Illegal Campaign Donations:
Over the past year or more, the Manhattan DA’s office and federal investigators have been conducting raids, issuing subpoenas, and carrying out federal inquiries against Mayor Adams’ 2021 electoral campaign. Members affiliated with the campaign have been indicted on charges related to illegal straw donations.
Adams’ former buildings commissioner, Eric Ulrich, has been indicted on bribery charges. Brianna Suggs, a key fundraiser for Mayor Adams, is under federal investigation for illegal donations. Dwayne Montgomery, a former NYPD inspector, pleaded guilty to conspiring with straw donors for Adams’ 2021 campaign. Shamsuddin Riza, a construction company owner, also pleaded guilty to making illegal donations. FBI agents raided Winnie Greco’s Bronx home, an adviser and fundraiser for Adams who has helped raise money from the Chinese community.
FBI agents also seized the mayor’s cell phones and other electronic devices. In recent days, FBI agents raided the homes of his First Deputy Mayor, Sheena Wright, who is engaged to Schools Chancellor David Banks, and the home of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks in Hollis, Queens. Federal investigators have also subpoenaed cell phones belonging to New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Tim Pearson, a close adviser to Adams.
In a city as diverse and dynamic as New York City, ethical leadership is not just a lofty ideal; it’s an absolute necessity. It’s about forging a path lit by integrity, the bedrock of trust and dependability, and a deep-seated commitment to others. Lady Liberty, who stands in the city’s bay, flames burn dim today.
We must reignite the flame of ethical governance in our city. The need for ethical leadership is not just a preference; it’s an imperative we cannot afford to ignore.
While the investigations are ongoing and the allegations substantial, the undeniable impact of Mr. Adams’s subpar stewardship cannot be ignored. His actions have directly led to a significant adverse effect on the city, a fact that we cannot overlook. From handling the migrant crisis to crime across the city and questionable critical appointments to various agencies, he has arguably turned the nation’s pride jewel into Gotham City– A city run by Cronies, a transformation we cannot afford to accept.
Over the years, New York state and city have led by example through our eclectic mix of culture, talent, and shared vision. As concerned citizens, we can demand accountability and make a difference. Our voices are not just critical; they are integral to the change we seek. We must continue to demand ethical leadership and hold our elected officials accountable for their actions.
In light of more FBI raids, as reported by several news outlets on September 5, 2024, amidst the ongoing investigations, it’s only prudent that Mr Adams step aside so the city affairs can be executed without distractions. I ask all elected officials, irrespective of party or allegiance, to call a vote of no confidence if the mayor fails to step down. This is not just a call for change but a demand for the ethical governance our city deserves.
My call or demand of Mr. Adams’s removal post isn’t unprecedented. In 1932, the colorful New York City Mayor Jimmy Walker, known for his extravagant style and involvement in various controversies, was at the center of a significant scandal. He was reportedly observed accepting substantial bribes from city business people vying for lucrative contracts.
In response, New York Governor Franklin Roosevelt judiciously exercised his gubernatorial powers and, by the state constitution, initiated the process of removing Walker from his position. Consequently, Walker, understanding the circumstances, resigned on September 1, 1932, before the completion of the removal proceedings. This historical precedent shows that removing a mayor is possible and necessary to ensure the city’s well-being.
Our city needs ethical leadership, and we must demand it. If you reside in New York City and, by extension, the state, I implore you to join the conversation and demand change.
A vote of no confidence, Mr. Adam!