The state senator who was the mayor's general counsel at the time Adams allegedly accepted lavish trips and other gifts from Turkish nationals calls the mayor a “hypocrite” who is now calling for Hitzner's resignation. A source close to the organization told the Post.
Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn) served as general counsel and senior policy advisor to Adams from 2014 to 2019, when Adams was Brooklyn Borough President.
Gounardes issued the statement Thursday, just hours after a 57-page indictment on federal bribery and fraud charges was unsealed. claim “Mayor Adams should resign.”
“No mayor can successfully serve the residents of this great city while facing federal prosecution,” he wrote. “The immense responsibility of governing this city requires relentless focus without distraction.”
People close to Mr. Adams accused Mr. Gounardes, saying that as general counsel, he should have advised Mr. Adams not to accept travel or other benefits if they appeared inappropriate.
“It is the height of hypocrisy that a former Borough Hall attorney who was responsible for ensuring that his activities were legal is now demanding his resignation for the same activities that are being questioned by the federal government.” an Adams official told the Post. .
Another source also called Gunardo a “hypocrite” and likened his comments to “keep walking.” [Adams’] It's a graveyard. ”
“He was general counsel when he was on all the trips in question. He agrees with them and is now asking for his resignation,” the source said. “That’s really upsetting.”
Mr. Gounardes said he would “not respond” to statements made by “anonymous sources.”
A source close to the senator claims that the Borough Hall assignment “did not include a review of Adams' international travel,” as that was the responsibility of Adams' then-special prosecutor, Ama Dwimo. It is said that
Adams has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, vowed to fight the charges and refused to resign.
