Big Business Saw an Ally in Eric Adams, and Overlooked His Issues
In the recent New York City mayoral election, Eric Adams emerged victorious, defeating his closest rival, Kathryn Garcia, by a narrow margin. Adams, a former police officer and Brooklyn Borough President, ran on a platform focused on public safety and economic development. His pro-business stance and promises to tackle crime and improve the city’s economy appealed to many voters, particularly those in the business community.
Big business saw an ally in Eric Adams, and overlooked some of his more controversial issues in the hopes that he would bring stability and prosperity to the city. Adams’ support for reopening the city’s economy quickly after the COVID-19 pandemic, his tough-on-crime rhetoric, and his promises to streamline the permitting process for new businesses all resonated with business leaders who were eager to see the city bounce back from the economic downturn.
However, Adams’ victory has also raised concerns among some critics who worry about his close ties to the real estate industry and his history of supporting controversial policing tactics. Adams’ support for stop-and-frisk, a policing strategy that has been criticized for disproportionately targeting people of color, has raised red flags for many progressives who fear that he may not prioritize issues of racial justice and police reform.
Despite these concerns, big business has largely embraced Adams as a potential ally in their efforts to revitalize the city’s economy. Adams has promised to work closely with business leaders to attract investment, create jobs, and improve the city’s infrastructure. His pro-business agenda and focus on economic development have already won him support from major corporations and business associations.
As Adams prepares to take office, he will face the challenge of balancing the needs and interests of the business community with the concerns of other stakeholders, including advocates for racial justice, affordable housing, and police reform. It remains to be seen how Adams will navigate these competing priorities and whether he will be able to deliver on his promises to bring prosperity and security to all New Yorkers.
In the end, the relationship between big business and Eric Adams may prove to be a double-edged sword. While his pro-business agenda may bring much-needed investment and growth to the city, it may also exacerbate existing inequalities and tensions. Only time will tell whether Adams can successfully navigate these challenges and build a more equitable and prosperous future for all New Yorkers.