by Prisha Rao

Current New York City mayor Eric Adams ran on a platform to tackle crime, and now, three years later, he has become the first mayor to be indicted on federal charges. This shocking turn of events has sent shockwaves throughout New York City, reigniting fears of political corruption that many thought were relics of the past. The investigation of the former police captain, which began in 2021, examined whether Adams and his campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal funding. Federal agents also investigated allegations that he pressured New York Fire Department officials to approve a new high-rise building for the Turkish consulate despite safety concerns. Additionally, authorities looked into valuable flight upgrades Adams allegedly received from Turkish Airlines.

The investigation escalated in November 2023, when the FBI raided the home of Adams’ chief fundraiser, an aide in Mr. Adams’s international affairs office, and a former Turkish Airlines executive. They seized the mayor’s phones and iPad in a raid a couple of days later. By the end of that month, the chief fundraiser had taken a leave of absence. In February 2024, a retired police inspector pleaded guilty to funneling illegal funds to Adams’ campaign. As of September 2024, federal prosecutors are reportedly investigating Adams’ dealings with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.

The Consequences of Corruption

The implications of these allegations are profound. Public services, including community programs and essential city projects, hang in the balance as Adams’ administration grapples with the fallout. Recent budget cuts to community education programs have left students without vital resources, particularly for the City University of New York (CUNY) system.

Mayor Adams released his Executive Budget for FY2025 on April 24, 2024, which failed to restore the $94 million in cuts that CUNY’s community colleges have endured since the beginning of his tenure. Enrollment has been rebounding, and the economic return on investment for CUNY graduates is clear. Yet, Adams, a two-time CUNY graduate, continues to overlook the city’s obligation to support its university system, particularly its community colleges that serve the very neighborhoods he claims to champion.

CUNY students are directly affected by these cuts, as they limit access to critical academic resources, support services, and essential programs. For instance, funding reductions have led to the elimination of some tutoring programs, diminished mental health services, and reduced staffing in libraries—services crucial for students’ success. This not only jeopardizes educational outcomes but also undermines the city’s broader goal of promoting economic mobility and opportunity for all residents.

New York City’s Historical Context

Although Adams is the first sitting mayor to be indicted, he is not the first to face allegations of corruption. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio was investigated during his 2013 campaign amid accusations of giving donors preferential treatment, but no charges were filed. Similarly, Mike Bloomberg faced scrutiny in 2010 over significant donations to the Independence Party, which were later funneled to Republican politicians, yet he avoided prosecution. Adams’ indictment marks a significant moment in New York City’s political history; he is the first mayor to face federal charges since the consolidation of the five boroughs in 1898.

Historically, corruption has plagued the mayor’s office, with notorious examples of misuse of power and influence. The costly monument to Boss Tweed’s corruption, the Tweed Courthouse, serves as a prominent symbol of this legacy. Fraudulent billing practices led to costs soaring to nearly $13 million—equivalent to about $300 million today. The scandal, exposed by The New York Times, prompted national outrage and reinforced the need for vigilant oversight in government.

 The Road Ahead: 2025 Mayoral Race

As the 2025 mayoral race approaches, several challengers have emerged, each presenting distinct platforms aimed at restoring integrity to the city’s leadership. Here’s a closer look:

• Brad Lander: New York City Comptroller focused on transparency and accountability, he has criticized Adams for budget cuts to CUNY, advocating for rigorous oversight to ensure taxpayer funds are effectively utilized.
• Jessica Ramos: State Senator advocating for workers’ rights and affordable housing. She has criticized the mayor’s response to the migrant crisis and proposed stronger regulations on campaign financing.
• Scott Stringer: Former City Comptroller, now under scrutiny due to past sexual assault allegations, raises questions about his viability as a candidate despite his fiscal expertise.
• Zohran Mamdani: State Assemblymember emphasizing low-cost transportation, affordable housing, and a better CUNY.
• Zellnor Myrie: State Senator emphasizing housing justice and police accountability, Myrie has been vocal against Adams’ policies regarding public safety and community resources.
• Curtis Sliwa: The 2022 Republican mayoral nominee is running again on a law-and-order platform, criticizing Adams’ approach to homelessness.
• Joe Borelli: The minority leader of the City Council, Borelli emphasizes crime reduction and economic growth through deregulation while critiquing Adams’ response to the migrant crisis.

As candidates emerge, they present unique proposals aimed at fostering a more transparent and accountable government. For instance, Lander’s commitment to budget oversight could help prevent misallocation of funds, while Ramos’ focus on campaign finance reform targets the roots of political corruption.

Conclusion: Demand for Accountability

The indictment of Eric Adams transcends personal scandal; it reflects a troubling pattern of political corruption in New York City. As Audrey Schnecker (Hunter College, ‘27) points out, this scandal “raises serious concerns, or confirmation of concerns, about transparency and ethics in local government,” calling into question the integrity of our public infrastructure. Audrey highlights how allowing officials to bypass codes that protect public welfare “shows that the political machine is one for profit” and fuels public distrust. Frances (Hunter College, ‘25) echoes this sentiment, sharing, “I was already distrustful in local government to begin with, and the mayor’s indictment further cemented that for me.”

This moment presents a crucial opportunity for New Yorkers to demand better governance. With candidates like Lander and Ramos offering visions focused on transparency and public welfare, voters can hold leaders accountable and choose representatives who prioritize the public good. For CUNY students and New Yorkers at large, the upcoming election is more than just a chance to replace a scandal-plagued mayor—it’s an opportunity to advocate for a government that serves everyone, not just the politically well-connected.

The impacts of misguided priorities are already felt by students like Audrey, who notes that “already at CUNY, there is a hefty reliance on adjuncts because of a lack of full-time professor positions,” which puts financial strain on faculty and affects students’ educational experiences. Further budget cuts exacerbate this strain, diverting resources away from educational needs. Frances adds that while she isn’t certain the recent cuts stem directly from the mayor’s budget decisions, “it’s undeniable that Hunter’s physical infrastructure is not on par—deteriorating restrooms and other facilities.” She also points out “a myriad of things that need to be funded at Hunter—more academic advisors, more study space, etc.—and the mayor’s budget cuts prevent these much-needed investments from happening.”

This is the time to act. Attend town halls, join local advocacy groups, and educate yourself on candidates and their platforms. Most importantly, make your voice heard by voting. Without immediate action, corruption will only deepen its roots in our city. Together, we can foster a culture of accountability that ensures our government truly represents the people.