Former New York Governor David Paterson (D) denounced calls from officials asking New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) to resign following five criminal charges stemming from a federal corruption investigation.
“I just think it's outrageous. Some of these people… are telling the mayor he needs to leave. He needs to leave and he hasn't even had a trial? This person? Who are they? They certainly shouldn't live in “America,'' Patterson told John Catsimatidis on WABC's 7:70 a.m. Sunday “Cats Roundtable.”
Most Democrats have refrained from telling Adams to resign, but Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Jerry Nadler of New York have called for him to resign. He is one of the people.
In the interview, Patterson praised current New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (Democratic), who stopped short of calling for Adams' ouster, for telling Adams to “clean house.” However, this is a nod to the “personal” phone call Hochul allegedly had with Congress. The mayor asked Adams to sort out internal affairs. According to CNN.
“It's clear that Governor Hochul has told the mayor that they have to clean house, and that means removing people from their offices who have been accused or are under investigation,” Patterson said. “I will.”
He added that this was her “most dynamic display of leadership.”
“What is clear is that Governor Hochul, who could have just stood aside and let the process continue, decided to get involved. She is currently monitoring everything that is happening. I'm quite surprised,” Patterson said.
“This is the most dynamic display of leadership a governor has ever had,” he added, adding, “Today, I want to thank a governor who has used the Civil Service Act and the New York City Charter to authorize himself to engage. I take my hat off to you.” I keep an eye on how cities are running these days. ”
Mr. Adams is charged with wire fraud, solicitation of foreign contributions and bribery, but denies any wrongdoing charges. He insists he will not resign as mayor.
