FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY (February 10, 2025) – Citizens Union issues the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum and Board Chair John Avlon in response to the directive from the Acting Deputy Attorney General to the Acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York to dismiss the charges against Mayor Eric Adams:
“Accountability, transparency, integrity, and independence are the core principles of good government and essential to the preservation of the rule of law. And, they apply equally at both City Hall and the Justice Department.
“This absurd directive from Washington undermines the equal application of the law in current and future efforts to prosecute charges of public corruption and hold elected officials accountable. It confirms that Mayor Adams’ irresponsible and repeatedly debunked accusations against prosecutors have found a receptive audience of one residing in the White House.”
“The Mayor has repeatedly insisted that his ongoing legal troubles do not interfere with his ability to govern. However, if, as the Justice Department argues, ‘the pending prosecution has unduly restricted Mayor Adams’ ability to devote full attention and resources’ to the city’s business, then he should step aside and allow someone who is not charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions, and bribery to lead our city.”
“We also are also deeply concerned that the directive instructs that there is to be no further ‘targeting’ or investigation of the Mayor until after the forthcoming election. We are not aware that such a ‘free pass’ has ever been given to any elected official to know that no matter what federal crimes he commits, he cannot be even investigated, let alone charged, until after the upcoming election – and therefore the electorate would have no idea not only of his guilt regarding the crimes charged but of any further federal criminal acts.”
About Citizens Union
For over 125 years, Citizens Union has been a non-partisan force for reform, accountability, and ethics in New York City and State government. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.
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