Hochul Aims to Increase Oversight Over Adams in Wake of Trump Deal
Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday she will not use her executive powers to oust Mayor Eric Adams, but instead introduced three legislative proposals to increase oversight of his office.
Proposed Legislation
The proposed legislation – subject to City Council and state legislature approval – would install a new special inspector general for city affairs within the office of the state inspector general, while a proposed revision to the City Charter would prevent the mayor from firing the city Department of Investigation commissioner without state approval. Additionally, Hochul proposed allowing the city comptroller, public advocate, and City Council speaker to hire outside counsel to sue the Trump administration, independent of the city Law Department. Finally, Hochul proposed adding additional funding to the office of the deputy state comptroller to have more oversight into city decision-making.
Reactions
Adams has been in the center of a political firestorm following his agreement with the Trump administration last week to drop his prosecution on federal corruption charges in exchange for New York City’s cooperation on federal immigration enforcement, on proposed terms that appear to violate the city’s longstanding sanctuary city laws.
"I have found a path forward that I believe gives me confidence with having this system in place, a line of sight into budgetary matters, investigatory matters, as well as legal matters, and this is what gives me the confidence to know that there is a system in place," Hochul said.
Adams, who declined to answer questions about Hochul’s proposals at an unrelated press conference earlier on Thursday, released a statement saying his administration has upheld "the values" of New Yorkers who voted for him.
State and City Reactions
A spokesperson for the City Council said they will review the details of the governor’s proposals once they receive them. A spokesperson for the State Senate Majority Leader did not respond to a request for comment. Comptroller Brad Lander in a statement called Hochul’s proposal "useful to keep New York City moving forward in these precarious times." Lander is among candidates campaigning to challenge Adams in this year’s mayoral race. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who met with Hochul earlier in the week to discuss the mayor’s fate, released a statement supporting her decision, but emphasized that "these new oversight measures must be temporary, and the historic home rule separation between city and state government should be restored immediately upon the resolution of this crisis."
Conclusion
Hochul’s proposals aim to increase oversight of the Adams administration, following the controversy surrounding his deal with the Trump administration. While the proposals are subject to approval by the City Council and state legislature, they would take immediate effect and expire at the end of 2025, subject to renewal.
FAQs
Q: What are the three proposed legislative measures introduced by Gov. Kathy Hochul?
A: The proposed legislation includes the installation of a new special inspector general for city affairs, a revision to the City Charter to prevent the mayor from firing the city Department of Investigation commissioner without state approval, and the ability for the city comptroller, public advocate, and City Council speaker to hire outside counsel to sue the Trump administration.
Q: What is the purpose of these proposals?
A: The proposals aim to increase oversight of the Adams administration, following the controversy surrounding his deal with the Trump administration.
Q: Will the proposals take effect immediately?
A: Yes, if approved by the City Council and state legislature, the proposals would take immediate effect and expire at the end of 2025, subject to renewal.
