Governor Hocus Pocus, oh sorry, I mean Kathy Hochul, just wasted over 25 minutes of our lives that we will never get back. And for what? To tell us absolutely nothing after hyping up what was supposed to be a major decision regarding the fate of New York City’s very own Party Mayor, Eric Adams, who, let’s be honest, might as well go by his new title, Trump’s Loyal Knight.
Hochul took the stage with all the dramatic buildup of a big reveal, only to dodge every real question about Adams’ conduct and basically tell us she’s not going to do anything. Instead, she delivered a long-winded monologue full of patriotic metaphors and empty reassurances, as if she were auditioning for a Broadway play called Democracy in Peril. She even threw in a history lesson about deposing kings, which, ironically, would’ve been useful if she actually planned to depose someone.
At this point, it’s painfully obvious she’s more concerned about her reelection than the actual well-being of New York City. Maybe she borrowed Adams’ playbook, or maybe she’s just terrified of something we don’t know about. Either way, neither of them should ever hold office in New York again.
ICYMI, here’s Governor Hocus Pocus delivering the political equivalent of a filibuster while pretending to take action. Spoiler alert: she didn’t.
Good Afternoon, you may be aware that over 24 hours ago I responded to an image circulated by the Trump administration The image depicted the President dressed as a king alongside a declaration implying that Liz was the king This action was taken as part of an attempt to undermine the duly elected laws of our state particularly regarding congestion pricing.
I referenced this issue again today for one fundamental reason over 450 years ago we fought a war to depose a king who tried to impose his will on a young country We do not have a king today because it conflicts with the very foundation of our democracy In our system the voices and votes of the people not a king not a queen and not a governor must prevail It is the voters who determine whom they want to represent them in elective office.
As I stated last week I was deeply troubled by the accusations leveled against Mayor Eric Adams not just the initial indictment but also the more recent allegations of a quid pro quo with the Trump administration For days I have been engaged in extensive discussions with my closest advisors city leaders elected officials clergy business representatives labor leaders and civic figures people whose opinions matter to me because they care deeply about our city I have also consulted legal advisors to determine whether it is appropriate and necessary at this moment to exercise the powers granted to me as Governor of New York by the state constitution and the New York City Charter to remove a mayor from office.
I have also heard from many New Yorkers who feel outraged hurt and betrayed by what they have seen To those New Yorkers I want you to know that I understand your feelings However after careful consideration I have determined that I will not commence removal proceedings at this time My strong belief is that the will of the voters and the sanctity of democratic elections preclude me from taking any other action I cannot deny the people of this great city the power to make this decision for themselves.
To those who believe this decision was made due to pressure from various groups or individuals I say this you do not know me I face constant pressure and challenges daily and that has absolutely no bearing on the decisions I make However I do have concerns about the disruption and chaos that such a move would bring to the residents of this great city Those calling for removal must understand that there is a legal process involved due process must be followed The nature of this process and its impact on the city must be carefully considered It is not impossible that under such circumstances New York City could end up with multiple mayors in a single year.
But make no mistake this is a serious situation and I want to lay out my immediate objectives.
1 To stabilize the city and restore confidence
2 To ensure that all essential services for our residents continue without disruption
3 To take steps to ensure that our leaders act solely in the best interests of the city free from any improper influence including from the Trump administration
I want to be clear there have been past instances of coordination between the federal government the state and the city which is not unusual However there is a clear distinction between cooperation and coercion The Trump administration has been aggressive in its actions including its recent attempt to dismantle the previously approved congestion pricing program The comments made yesterday by the Presidents administration about controlling New York are deeply disturbing This is the same fight we had yesterday the same fight we have today and the same fight we must continue for the next 14 to 30 days to move this city forward.
To ensure stability I am implementing key guardrails to restore trust among New York City residents and to ensure that decisions made in City Hall are in the best interests of the people not dictated by the President I am proposing three immediate actions.
1 Legislation to create a Special Inspector General for New York City Affairs within the State Inspector Generals office This will ensure that the city’s Department of Investigation remains independent and free from political interference The Mayor will only be able to remove the Department of Investigation Commissioner with approval from the State Inspector General This measure will protect the integrity of investigations and allow for direct oversight of any improper activity within the city.
2 Expanding the authority of the City Comptroller the Public Advocate and the City Council Speaker to independently initiate litigation against the federal government when necessary While the City Law Department will still have the ability to take legal action within seven days of any request this measure ensures that legal efforts to protect New York City from federal overreach are not solely reliant on City Hall
3 Increasing funding for the Office of the Deputy State Comptroller for New York City Oversight This will provide independent oversight of financial decisions related to federal funding and policies affecting the city.
Once enacted these measures will take effect immediately and will remain in place until the end of 2025 subject to renewal I have already begun discussions with the City Council Speaker and the Speaker of the State Assembly to advance these initiatives.
Let me be clear I will always act as a safeguard against any threats to our state and our people Once I make a decision I work relentlessly to see it through My path forward is clear I will retain the powers conferred upon me by the New York State Constitution and the City Charter but I sincerely hope that these dark days will pass Elections will take place and the people of New York will decide whom they trust to lead this extraordinary city.
In the meantime we must remain focused and united against the challenges coming from 226 miles away in Washington DC My attention remains on this city this state and our nations capital and I am fully prepared to fight any threats to the well being of our residents.
