New York City Comptroller Brad Lander criticized Mayor Eric Adams’ administration during a speech to business leaders, focusing on the mayor’s legal issues and policy failures. Lander, who is running to unseat Adams, called for better fiscal management, reform of mental health policies, and increased control over CUNY. His speech targeted some of Adams’ perceived weaknesses, including homelessness and public safety, as he looks to build support ahead of the 2025 mayoral election.
Lander Criticizes Adams’ Legal Troubles and Governance
In a speech on Thursday, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander took aim at Mayor Eric Adams, highlighting the ongoing federal investigations into Adams’ administration. Lander expressed his disapproval of how the mayor’s office has handled these legal issues, emphasizing that his vision of good governance doesn’t include FBI probes or contracts benefiting the mayor’s family members. This criticism comes as Lander runs for mayor, aiming to win over some of the corporate leaders who have been generally supportive of Adams.
Policy Proposals on Homelessness and Mental Health
Lander outlined his approach to addressing homelessness and mental health in New York City, issues that have been central to Adams’ administration. Lander promised to end homelessness among the severely mentally ill by reserving specific housing vouchers for this group. He also supported involuntary commitment for some mentally ill individuals but criticized Adams’ more aggressive policies in this area. Lander proposed maintaining the legal standard of committing individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others, while also exploring the creation of smaller institutions to house this population.
CUNY Control and Economic Mobility
A key part of Lander’s speech focused on his plan to bring the City University of New York (CUNY) under municipal control, removing it from the state government’s jurisdiction. Lander praised CUNY as a vital engine of economic mobility and called for greater local support and funding for the university. However, he made it clear that any shift in control would require state cooperation, and state funding would need to be maintained.
Public Safety and Rikers Island Closure
Lander also addressed public safety, an issue frequently discussed by Adams. He pointed out that while crime has decreased compared to the previous year, the city’s violent crime rate is still higher than pre-pandemic levels, and the reduction in crime has been slower than in other cities. Additionally, Lander reiterated his support for closing Rikers Island, though he acknowledged that the 2027 deadline may be difficult to meet. He advocated for creating smaller institutions to accommodate the mentally ill and other vulnerable populations instead of keeping them in jail.
Fiscal Management and Coordination
Throughout his speech, Lander repeatedly criticized Adams’ fiscal management, promising to improve coordination among city agencies and ensure regular assessments of agency savings and efficiencies. He called for an end to what he described as a “stupid budget dance” and emphasized a management-forward approach to city governance, avoiding the inequality-focused rhetoric of previous administrations.
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