CNN
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Four top deputies in Eric Adams’ administration submitted their resignations on Monday, marking a significant decline in support for the mayor among his rank-and-file workers and elected officials.
The departing officials are Maria Torres-Springer, first deputy mayor; Anne Williams-Isom, deputy mayor for health and human services; Meera Joshi, deputy mayor for operations; and Chauncey Parker, deputy mayor for public safety.
“I am disappointed to see them go, but given the current challenges, I understand their decision and wish them nothing but success in the future,” Mayor Adams stated in his official announcement.
The resignations represent a profound shift in the Adams administration, which has been grappling with fallout since last week’s Department of Justice memo directing federal prosecutors in New York to drop corruption charges against the mayor.
The Justice Department’s directive led to a mass resignation of prosecutors in both New York and Washington. Even the Trump-appointed acting US attorney for the Southern District of New York stepped down rather than implement the order to dismiss the corruption charges against Adams.
Calls for Adams to resign have intensified. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who holds the power to remove Adams from office, declared she will convene city leaders on Tuesday to discuss “the path forward.”
Deputies Were Seen as a Steady Hand Amid Turmoil
The four deputy mayors had initially agreed to stay in their roles following discussions with Adams on Sunday. However, Joshi, Torres-Springer, and Williams-Isom informed Adams the following morning that they had made their final decision to resign.
“Due to the extraordinary events of the last few weeks and to stay faithful to the oaths we swore to New Yorkers and our families, we have come to the difficult decision to step down from our roles,” they stated in a joint statement.
These deputies played pivotal roles in implementing the mayor’s agenda, overseeing crucial agencies including the public hospital system, Department of Homeless Services, and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Since Adams was indicted on federal corruption charges last September, these high-ranking officials provided a stabilizing presence in city government, despite the mayor’s personal distractions.
Parker, a newer addition to the administration, expressed confidence that the mayor would continue to lead effectively. “Serving as deputy mayor under Mayor Adams has been an honor, and I am confident the administration will continue to deliver for New Yorkers,” he said.
Adams confirmed that the deputy mayors would remain in their roles temporarily to ensure a smooth transition.
These departures follow another wave of high-profile resignations in the administration shortly after the indictment was unveiled in September.
Last year, the Justice Department brought corruption charges against Adams, marking the first time a sitting mayor faced prosecution in New York City’s contemporary history. Adams pleaded not guilty to federal counts including bribery, corruption, wire fraud, and accepting donations from foreign nationals, with the trial scheduled for this spring. The recent order from the Justice Department dismisses these charges “without prejudice,” making reprosecution possible in the future.
