Business leaders, except for Kathy Wylde, have remained silent on Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment due to fear of backlash and loyalty to his agenda. They are concerned about potential disruptions to ongoing projects and are wary of progressive mayoral candidates. The City of Yes housing initiative faces scrutiny amid the scandal, with supporters urging City Council to focus on city needs. Some question the severity of the indictment’s allegations. Business leaders are hesitant to support progressive candidates running for mayor and are exploring options, including potential candidacy by Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo is seen as moderate and pro-business, with a focus on reducing crime and efficient government, but no official stance has been taken yet.
In the wake of Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment, the response from business leaders has been mostly silent, with only Kathy Wylde, the CEO of the Partnership for New York City, stepping forward to address the issue. As the head of the trade association representing the city’s largest companies, Wylde stressed the importance of focusing on critical city issues while the mayor’s legal situation unfolds.
Other major business groups, such as the Real Estate Board of New York and the Association for a Better New York, have remained quiet, likely due to their reluctance to criticize a sitting mayor who could impact their businesses. These groups have been supportive of Mayor Adams due to his emphasis on priorities aligned with theirs, including fighting crime, economic development, and addressing the housing crisis.
Despite the indictment, some business leaders do not view it as severe corruption and are concerned about the potential operational challenges and impact on quality of life if the mayor were to resign. Additionally, the lack of viable mayoral candidates who align with the business community’s interests has further complicated the situation. Candidates like Comptroller Brad Lander and state senators Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie are seen as too progressive and anti-business by some business leaders.
Sherwin Belkin, a prominent real estate attorney, expressed concerns over Lander’s positions on private ownership of housing and profit, labeling his potential mayoral term as a disaster. In response, candidates like Lander have been reaching out to business leaders to find common ground and demonstrate their competence in leadership. Lander, in particular, has made efforts to engage with business groups and amend past proposals to address business concerns.
The uncertainty surrounding potential policy changes if Mayor Adams were to resign, and the possibility of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo entering the mayoral race, have also left business leaders contemplating their options. Cuomo, despite facing allegations of sexual harassment, is viewed as a moderate candidate who may prioritize issues important to the business community, such as reducing crime and promoting efficient government.
While the business community remains hesitant to publicly discuss their support for specific candidates or scenarios, the evolving political landscape in New York City underscores the importance of finding a candidate who can address both the city’s challenges and the interests of the business sector. As the mayoral race unfolds, business leaders will continue to assess their options and seek alignment with candidates who can navigate the city’s complex issues effectively.
Source: TheCity.NYC
