Eric Adams jeopardizes his mayoralty by not removing problematic aides

Facing City Hall scandals that threaten his mayoralty, Eric Adams’s best chance of survival lies in cleaning house—removing those causing trouble for him—and starting anew.

If not, he risks an early exit from office, leaving behind a shattered legacy.

The recent blow occurred when the mayor’s chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg, abruptly resigned.

Yes, his chief counsel resigned amidst the ongoing scandals surrounding his team.

This came shortly after NYPD boss Edward Caban stepped down over reports of his brother James Caban’s alleged influence-peddling and following federal raids on police officials and top Adams aides.

Ken Frydman, a political operative, commented to The Post, “The timing [of Zornberg’s resignation] couldn’t look, or be, worse. She left her client, Eric Adams, without a chief counsel just when he and City Hall need one most.”

Sources indicate that Zornberg left because Adams disregarded her advice to fire two aides, Tim Pearson and Winnie Grecco, who are under investigation for allegedly lying on their financial disclosure forms.

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) observed, “Her resignation is emblematic of the turmoil we are seeing at the heights of city government.”

Despite the turmoil, the mayor has remained steadfast.

Removing Caban was a necessary first step, as he faced a conflict of interest in working with federal agents while they investigated his brother.

However, it took a week for Adams to ask for Caban’s resignation after the federal raids.

He has yet to part ways with Deputy Mayor Phil Banks or Pearson, both under the federal investigation for possible corruption.

This situation casts a cloud of corruption over Adams, as other city officials are also under scrutiny.

His loyalty to his aides amidst the turmoil may be perceived as putting personal ties above the city’s interests.

While Adams may be hesitant to fire aides who have not been charged, he must recognize the potential risk they pose to his reputation and the city.

Allowing left-wing extremists to take control would undo the progress made under his leadership and jeopardize the city he cares for.

Gotham needs Adams to maintain his sensible approach, combat crime, support businesses, and resist radical influences.

By holding onto his tainted inner circle, Adams puts his political survival and the city’s future in jeopardy.