The beauty of the political system is that it runs on dissension. Disagreement is how you know everyone’s voice is being heard. And disagreement is what ultimately leads those designated to advance certain interests to find a compromise that benefits most, if not everyone
So it should be no surprise that there is dissension between Mayor Eric Adams and members of the New York City Council, specifically its speaker, Adrienne Adams. All are tasked with fighting diligently for the concerns of their constituents. What makes this case stand out, however, is just how little the mayor seems to get along with anyone, from the comptroller to the outgoing police commissioner. From the outside, it appears that he believes his voice should be the loudest in the room and carry the most weight.
As reporter Nick Garber laid out recently, a number of local lawmakers, many of whom spoke to Crain’s anonymously, have bristled at the mayor’s approach. And some have taken umbrage at working with a few of the advisers he surrounds himself with, including Jacques Jiha, his budget director, who council members said was unpopular during this year’s budget negotiations.