For those of you paying attention to New York City politics, you may be asking yourself, “Just what in the world is going on?” Never in the modern history of the city have we seen the resignation of two police commissioners. We have not seen federal police raids on the mayor’s friends and inner circle at this scale. Nor have we seen a persistent and growing circling of sharks in the water, aka federal indictments, at this increasing speed.
With all that is happening around Mayor Adams, it is still unclear whether our mayor has done anything wrong at all. He maintains his innocence and thus far, the clouds of smoke billowing around him have not amounted to any fire … for him. We do know time reveals all things and ideally for the citizens of New York, the mayor is only guilty of his loyalty to somewhat shady and unsavory friends. It is my sincere hope that we (survive and thrive during the November 5 election) and then enter the New York City municipal elections with clear minds and clearer information about how we would like to proceed with the leadership of our city.
There are several questions about the mayor’s level of competence, organization, judgment, and work ethic. That’s a tall order of critiques from many of his challengers, of whom there are currently four — and I suspect that number will grow, depending on how many more indictments are handed down and resignations are handed in. Thus far, those who have officially thrown their hats in the ring to challenge the mayor for the top job are former Comptroller Scott Stringer, current Comptroller Brad Lander, Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie, and Queens State Senator Jessica Ramos.
The NYC election season next year will be one to be involved in, for sure. As of now, even former Governor Andrew Cuomo is sniffing around at a possible run for mayor, among a crowded field of candidates discussing truly important issues that affect our lives about everything from education to how we integrate migrant populations into our communities, from controlling the rat population to helping to think of ways to make the city more affordable and more safe.
In recent years, participation in municipal elections has been embarrassing and downright abysmal. New Yorkers are not turning out to help make decisions about their own local futures. For a city that has more than a $100 billion budget and uses our tax money for myriad resources, it would behoove us to pay attention and participate in our own governance and democracy. I know many people are preoccupied with the presidential election, but it is time for us to walk and chew gum at the same time. Let’s begin to think about the 2025 primary election and become involved in the future of our city. It’s time to do some homework.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.