Amidst the Chaos, City Workers Feel Adrift in an Administration in Free Fall
Amid the swirling chaos of the federal criminal indictment of Mayor Eric Adams, city workers say they feel adrift in an administration in free fall, and that the city’s top executive has lost their confidence.
City Workers Express Frustration
Civil service workers who spoke with THE CITY — all under the condition of anonymity — said they worried that news of the mayor’s five-count, 57-page indictment on bribery and other charges would further erode the public’s trust in government at a critical juncture for the city. And they expressed frustration that Adams has repeatedly denied the accusations against him and so far resisted calls to step aside.
Concerns About Erosion of Trust
"It’s the height of hypocrisy," said one 20-year veteran of a social services agency. "He plays by his own set of rules, and it erodes trust in all of us."
Mayor’s Response
Adams sent a mass email to city workers Thursday afternoon, saying he did "nothing wrong" and praising them for their work.
Maintaining Morale
While some workers expressed frustration, others said they would keep their heads down and continue doing their jobs with the understanding they are not shaded by the political dealings of the administration.
Stressful Environment
Another city worker said that the torrent of raids, firings, and resignations over the past 10 months have contributed to a stressful and anxious work environment. Interim and active commissioners, she said, are limited in their ability to run city agencies to their full capacity.
Conclusion
City workers are feeling the impact of the mayor’s indictment and are calling for stability and trust in government. It remains to be seen whether the mayor will step down or continue to lead the city through this challenging period.
FAQs
Q: What is Mayor Eric Adams accused of?
A: Mayor Eric Adams is accused of receiving over $120,000 worth of gifts from the Turkish government in exchange for campaign funds funneled through illegal straw donations.
Q: How have city workers reacted to the news of the indictment?
A: City workers have expressed frustration and concern about the eroding trust in government and the impact on their workplace.
Q: Will city workers continue to do their jobs despite the scandal?
A: While some workers have expressed frustration, many have said they will keep their heads down and continue doing their jobs with a focus on serving the public.
Q: What impact will the scandal have on city government?
A: The scandal has already caused significant stress and anxiety within city government, and some workers have expressed concerns about the long-term impact on the city’s ability to function effectively.
