A new series of ads created by Mayor Eric Adams’ team highlights his achievements since taking office. However, critics are skeptical of the overly positive messaging being promoted.
These advertisements come at a key time as Adams runs for reelection, projecting an optimistic image at LinkNYC WiFi kiosks spread across five districts where city messages are shared.
“The Adams administration is using city resources to push for re-election,” remarked Nicole Gelinas, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute.
Gelinas pointed out that the ads present selective and subjective outcomes, focusing on areas critical to voters, like crime and education.
One advertisement titled “Peace of Mind” features the NYPD logo alongside a statement about crime rates in 2024, suggesting improved safety.
“$30 billion has been returned to New Yorkers over the last three years,” claims the ad, which coincides with Adams’ tenure as mayor.
Another ad named “Delivery ForYou.nyc” emphasizes the city’s commitment to improving urban institutions.
It states, “New York aims to be the ideal place to raise a family,” mentioning initiatives like subsidized early education programs and investments in internships and literacy programs.
The “Distribution ForYou.NYC” website directs users to the city government homepage, featuring videos of Adams and promoting accomplishments attributed to his administration.
Encountering these ads along Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills and Kew Gardens gave me a sense of security. They blend in with local restaurants, historical highlights, and concert promotions.
Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa criticized the ads as misleading.
Sliwa stated, “Eric Adams claims to care about New Yorkers and taxpayer money through these ads, yet many people still feel unsafe. Meanwhile, rent continues to soar, and homelessness and mental health crises worsen in our streets, subways, and parks.”
He questioned the assertion of returning $30 billion, remarking, “Most New Yorkers struggle to afford a Metro card. If this is what relief looks like, what does chaos resemble?”
Sliwa is running as an independent candidate after exiting the Democratic primary in June.
The mayor’s administration is currently entangled in various corruption probes, although a federal criminal prosecution against him was dismissed.
In defense of the ads, the mayor’s team asserts they are meant to inform the public rather than serve as campaign content, claiming they do not prominently feature his name or image.
“New Yorkers work incredibly hard, and they should see how their taxes help reduce crime, promote affordable housing, and make the city a wonderful place for families,” said Liz Garcia, a spokeswoman for the mayor.
She emphasized that these LinkNYC ads have aimed to inform citizens about urban resources for many years and remain an effective way to connect with the public.
The mayor’s team claims that the city council was active during last fall’s elections.
