Scandal around the mayor of New York: demands for resignation are growing
27 september 2024 в 00:13
New York Mayor Eric Adams is facing growing calls for resignation from local politicians after being accused of harming the city on Wednesday evening following the results of a federal investigation into his pre-election campaign and administration.
Former police captain and Brooklyn borough president, 64-year-old Adams, denies any wrongdoing. In a statement from Gracie Mansion, published late on Wednesday, he said: «I always knew that if I stood up for the people of New York, I would become a target — and a target I have become». Asserting that he will remain in his position despite the accusations, Adams added: «If I am accused, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every drop of my strength and spirit».
Early Thursday morning, the FBI searched his official residence and seized his phone. Hours later, a 57-page indictment was revealed detailing criminal charges against Adams related to contributions to his 2021 pre-election campaign and other actions dating back to 2015.
Following the disclosure of the federal indictment, Mayor Adams is likely to hear more calls for his resignation. Here are politicians, including party colleagues, who have already made such comments.
Earlier on Wednesday, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, called for the mayor to resign, saying that the «stream of resignations and vacancies» caused by various federal investigations of administration officials «threatens the functioning of government».
«Endless investigations will make it impossible to attract and retain qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign», - Ocasio-Cortez said.
Scott Stringer, former New York City Comptroller and Democrat running against Mayor Adams in next year’s elections, said on Wednesday evening that the mayor should «resign for the good of the city», - echoing Ocasio-Cortez's statement.
«Eric Adams is accused. There is simply no chance that the wheels of government will continue to turn smoothly. Instead, we are left with a wrecked train-wreck of municipal government», - Stringer said in a statement.
«His legal battle is not our battle. While the mayor focuses on proving his innocence, the rest of us need to focus on the city’s business — building affordable housing, educating our children, and ensuring the safety of this city».
«First and foremost, this is a sad day for the residents of New York. Trust in public institutions — especially the mayor’s office — is essential for the functioning of our local democracy and the prosperity of our city. Hardworking New Yorkers deserve a city government and leadership they can trust. Right now, they do not have that.
Mayor Adams, like all New Yorkers, deserves a fair process, the presumption of innocence, and his day in court. However, it is clear that defending oneself against serious federal charges will require a significant amount of time and attention, necessary for managing this great city.
The most appropriate way forward is his resignation, so that New York can receive the full attention that its leadership demands.
At this urgent moment, city leaders must focus on how we can best ensure stable governance so that New York can move forward and thrive. As city comptroller, I will do everything possible to help ensure this."
Jessica Ramos, a progressive state senator from Queens, did not call for Adams to resign, but suggested that he has lost the ability to govern.
«Today is a tough day for New York. No one wants to see our leaders fail, and these allegations against Mayor Adams seem like a deep betrayal.
As a resident of New York and a public servant, I am saddened by what we have seen under this administration. When New Yorkers placed their hope in Mayor Adams to revive the city in mourning and economic decline, they hoped for a new beginning. Instead, life has only gotten worse."
Former police captain and Brooklyn borough president, 64-year-old Adams, denies any wrongdoing. In a statement from Gracie Mansion, published late on Wednesday, he said: «I always knew that if I stood up for the people of New York, I would become a target — and a target I have become». Asserting that he will remain in his position despite the accusations, Adams added: «If I am accused, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every drop of my strength and spirit».
Early Thursday morning, the FBI searched his official residence and seized his phone. Hours later, a 57-page indictment was revealed detailing criminal charges against Adams related to contributions to his 2021 pre-election campaign and other actions dating back to 2015.
Following the disclosure of the federal indictment, Mayor Adams is likely to hear more calls for his resignation. Here are politicians, including party colleagues, who have already made such comments.
Earlier on Wednesday, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, called for the mayor to resign, saying that the «stream of resignations and vacancies» caused by various federal investigations of administration officials «threatens the functioning of government».
«Endless investigations will make it impossible to attract and retain qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign», - Ocasio-Cortez said.
Scott Stringer, former New York City Comptroller and Democrat running against Mayor Adams in next year’s elections, said on Wednesday evening that the mayor should «resign for the good of the city», - echoing Ocasio-Cortez's statement.
«Eric Adams is accused. There is simply no chance that the wheels of government will continue to turn smoothly. Instead, we are left with a wrecked train-wreck of municipal government», - Stringer said in a statement.
«His legal battle is not our battle. While the mayor focuses on proving his innocence, the rest of us need to focus on the city’s business — building affordable housing, educating our children, and ensuring the safety of this city».
«First and foremost, this is a sad day for the residents of New York. Trust in public institutions — especially the mayor’s office — is essential for the functioning of our local democracy and the prosperity of our city. Hardworking New Yorkers deserve a city government and leadership they can trust. Right now, they do not have that.
Mayor Adams, like all New Yorkers, deserves a fair process, the presumption of innocence, and his day in court. However, it is clear that defending oneself against serious federal charges will require a significant amount of time and attention, necessary for managing this great city.
The most appropriate way forward is his resignation, so that New York can receive the full attention that its leadership demands.
At this urgent moment, city leaders must focus on how we can best ensure stable governance so that New York can move forward and thrive. As city comptroller, I will do everything possible to help ensure this."
Jessica Ramos, a progressive state senator from Queens, did not call for Adams to resign, but suggested that he has lost the ability to govern.
«Today is a tough day for New York. No one wants to see our leaders fail, and these allegations against Mayor Adams seem like a deep betrayal.
As a resident of New York and a public servant, I am saddened by what we have seen under this administration. When New Yorkers placed their hope in Mayor Adams to revive the city in mourning and economic decline, they hoped for a new beginning. Instead, life has only gotten worse."
© Artemenko Olga
