This week, we asked readers for their opinions on the recent decision by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to drop out of the mayoral general election.

 

“I’m actually so happy now because now, somebody else [who] actually cares about New York is going to take care of the trains and the older people. With him, everything was a total mess. There was no safety plan and crime was high. The homeless were using drugs and needles; I didn’t feel safe.” [See editor’s note further below.]

Natalie Flores,

Parkchester

“I think he was a good candidate and he was a good mayor. He tried to stop the guns and the violence on the trains, and he was trying to help the people with their housing problems. About the [federal corruption] scandals, well, they never found him guilty.” [See editor’s note further below.]

Carmen Gonzalez,

Tremont

“I think that the mayor did what he felt was best for the City of New York as opposed to dividing the vote to cause someone that is not someone that believes in the democratic process to take office, so I think that what he did was very courageous. I think that what he did was something that was needed. I think that at the end of the day, when you think about it, I think that we will all be okay if we just learn to put our pride aside and do what’s best for New York.” [See editor’s note further below.]

Norman Seabrook,

Morris Park

“I think it’s unfortunate that Mayor Adams is only dropping out of the race when he should be going to jail for his crimes [as well]. I feel the same about [former Gov. Andrew] Cuomo. It’s demoralizing. Our options for mayor, as most of our political candidates, are a joke. This country is a disappointment to good citizens. The 3% seem to have all the power and they use it for their own greed and gain.” [See editor’s note further below].

Crystal Wolfe,

Maspeth, Queens

“I believe Mayor Eric Adams has done some great things during his tenure, from expanding summer youth employment opportunities and advancing public safety initiatives, to investing in mental health response teams, and supporting small business recovery after the pandemic. It’s unfortunate that the scandals surrounding his administration have overshadowed many of those successes. I hope this moment serves as a turning point and marks the beginning of a new era of integrity, transparency, and accountability in politics that inspires the next generation of leaders.”

Malcom Gray,

Pelham Parkway

[Democratic Male State Committeeman A.D. 80]

 

Editor’s Note: Citywide crime rates for the seven major felony offenses have actually continued to fall under the Adams administration, though crime is still clearly an issue, especially in certain areas of The Bronx. See attached historical citywide crime statistics attached below for various categories as well as the latest major crime statistics for the 46th, 50th, and 52nd Precincts. 

 

NEW YORK CITY Mayor Eric Adams makes a public safety-related announcement with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch Jan. 22, 2025. Video courtesy of NYC Mayor’s Office via YouTube

In terms of safety, the mayor launched his blueprint to curb gun violence shortly after his term began in 2022 and the number of illegal guns removed from the City’s streets also continues to accumulate according to NYPD statistics.

 

In August, according to the NYPD, the city recorded 77 shooting incidents, a 4% increase compared to last August’s record-setting lows. However, August 2025 was still the third lowest for shooting incidents in recorded history.

Over the past three and a half years, the NYPD said the department has taken more than 23,445 illegal guns off the city’s streets, including more than 3,685 seized in 2025. In August, they said murder increased 33% (28 vs. 21) but remained down 19.6% year-to-date compared to the same period last year. 

 

Adams also introduced different measures to address subway crime (amid some pushback), help protect small business owners from crime, announced funding to address the lack of mental health professionals to address the City’s mental health crisis, expanded housing, tackled drug use, homelessness [amid some pushback], and addiction.

 

In September, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that subway crime fell to historical lows over the summer.

Norwood News reached out to the Mayor’s office for comment on this article. We did not receive an immediate response but will share any feedback we receive. 

 

News of the eventual dismissal with prejudice by the U.S. Department of Justice of the federal corruption charges previously brought against Adams was mixed, as reported, and came amid strong speculation by some of a quid pro quo with U.S. President Donald Trump.

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the findings of an investigatory report in 2021 that found that former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo had sexually harassed 11 women during his time in office, with actions such as unwanted groping, kissing and sexual comments. As reported, he apologized for his actions which he broadly contextualized as cultural proclivities, and he resigned.

 

On January 31, 2022, The New York Post reported that the last of five criminal cases that had been pursued against Cuomo in terms of sexual harassment had been dismissed.

The New York Times reported in April 2025 that New York State was set to pay to resolve a lawsuit filed by Charlotte Bennett over accusations that Cuomo sexually harassed her when she worked in his executive office.

 

According to those who work with victims of sexual harassment / assault, often, victims of such crimes choose not to pursue legal action as it may require having their personal sexual history discussed during court proceedings.

 

Morris Park resident Norman Seabrook is a former law enforcement officer, union leader, and president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association from 1995 to 2016 before he was indicted by a federal grand jury, was convicted of corruption, and was sentenced to 58 months in prison.

 

The mayoral, and other, general elections in New York City take place on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Early voting commences Saturday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 2. The voter registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 25, which is the last day your application can be received by the Board of Elections to be eligible to vote. Changes of address for general election must be received by the Board of Election by Monday, Oct. 20. For more information, visit  https://www.nycvotes.org/how-to-vote/elections-calendar/#voter+registration+deadline.

 

*Síle Moloney contributed to this article.