New York — Amid a swirl of federal bribery and fraud charges against Mayor Eric Adams, his former legal advisor, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, has called for the mayor’s resignation, sparking accusations of hypocrisy from sources close to Adams. Gounardes, a Democrat representing Brooklyn, worked closely with Adams from 2014 to 2019 during Adams’ tenure as Brooklyn borough president.
On Thursday, following the unsealing of a 57-page indictment against Adams, Gounardes was quick to issue a statement condemning the mayor’s actions and asserting that the responsibilities of the mayor’s office require a leader undistracted by such serious legal challenges. “No mayor can efficaciously serve the city while simultaneously defending themselves in federal court,” Gounardes said. “The gravity of governing New York City demands an unwavering dedication devoid of any diversions.”
Adams, who vehemently denies the allegations, entered a not guilty plea in a Manhattan federal court Friday. Despite the pressures, he has refused to step down, insisting on his commitment to the city.
Reacting to Gounardes’ denunciation, an associate of Adams criticized the state senator for what they described as hypocritical behavior. They pointed out that during Gounardes’ tenure as general counsel, he had oversight responsibilities that should have included advising against the acceptance of questionable gifts and trips. “It is peak hypocrisy for him to request the mayor’s resignation over the same activities he once oversaw,” a source noted.
Further emphasizing their discontent, another insider accused Gounardes of moral duplicity. “He was the general counsel when the questioned trips happened. He approved them, and now he’s demanding resignation,” the source added, clearly frustrated.
In response, a spokesperson for Gounardes declined to engage with accusations from anonymous sources but emphasized that scrutiny of the mayor’s foreign trips was not under Gounardes’ purview during his time at Borough Hall. Instead, such responsibilities lay with Adams’ then-special counsel Ama Dwimoh.
Surrounded by controversy, Adams has reiterated his innocence and commitment to continue serving the city. Meanwhile, his supporters have begun voicing their contention that allegations and demands for resignation are hasty and rest on unconfirmed claims.
As tensions escalate, the political landscape in New York remains fraught with uncertainty. The wider implications of this case might resonate in upcoming elections, potentially influencing voter sentiments and party strategies. The situation invites a broader dialogue on governance, ethics, and the rigorous scrutiny public officials face in the public eye. This incident not only tests Adams’ resilience and capability to navigate through legal struggles but also poses questions about accountability and moral leadership in public service.