03/04/2025
Fil-Am deputy mayor resigns amid corruption charges against NYC mayor
By Elton Lugay INQUIRER.net US Bureau
NEW YORK CITY — In a significant turn of events, Filipino American First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and three other deputy mayors resigned Feb. 17, intensifying the challenges facing Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.
Their departures come amid growing scrutiny over corruption charges against Adams, which allegedly were dropped in exchange for his compliance with Trump’s immigration policy.
The resignations of Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom and Deputy Mayor Chauncey Parker have plunged City Hall into uncertainty, raising pressing questions about Adams’ leadership.
Torres-Springer, a longtime public servant with extensive experience under former mayors Bill de Blasio and Michael Bloomberg, had recently joined Adams’ team in hopes of fostering change following his federal indictment. Her exit underscores deepening concerns within the administration.
In a joint statement, the resigning deputy mayors cited “extraordinary events” and their commitment to New Yorkers as the impetus for their decision. “This was a difficult decision, but necessary,” they stated.
Collective Accomplishments
In her resignation letter, Torres-Springer expressed heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues:
“It is with a heavy heart but unending gratitude and admiration for all of you that I share the news that I, along with Deputy Mayors Meera Joshi and Anne Williams-Isom, will be stepping down from our roles in this administration.
“Serving as Deputy Mayors has been the greatest honor and privilege of our lives. We have worked each day with the singular mission of improving the lives of New Yorkers and strengthening the physical foundation of the city we love. Due to the extraordinary events of the last few weeks, we have come to this difficult decision.
“While our time in this administration will come to a close, our support for the incredible public servants across the administration will never cease…”
Torres-Springer also highlighted their collective accomplishments, including transformative zoning initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy and affordable housing, as well as record financing for affordable homes.
Mayor Adams expressed disappointment but acknowledged their decision, wishing them well in their future endeavors. Their resignations coincide with a rally in Brooklyn supporting Adams, where tensions are palpable amid calls for both his resignation and potential intervention from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The demand for Gov. Hochul to remove Mayor Adams is increasing.
Danielle R. Sassoon, the acting US Atty. for New York City, who was appointed by Trump, refused the Department of Justice’s demand to withdraw corruption charges against Adams and resigned in protest.
Sassoon’s resignation followed a wave of similar departures from the Public Integrity Section after the DOJ insisted on dropping the case. Sassoon wrote a scathing letter to the DOJ, explaining why she would not comply with the order, which could provide grounds for Governor Hochul to remove Mayor Adams from office.
Hochul acknowledged the contributions of the departing deputy mayors. “If they feel unable to serve in City Hall at this time, that raises serious questions about the long-term future of this mayoral administration,” the governor said in a statement.
Democratic Primary
She reiterated her commitment to ensuring stability for New Yorkers, emphasizing, “My most urgent concern is the well-being of my 8.3 million constituents who live in New York City.”
Filipino American mayoral candidate Deirdre Levy weighed in on the situation. “New York needs transparent and trustworthy leadership—leaders who restore faith in our institutions rather than erode it,” Levy, who is running in the Democratic primary, told Inquirer.net USA.
“This failure of leadership is precisely why these cabinet members chose to resign. It’s time for a government that leads with accountability, honesty, and a commitment to the people it represents.”
These departures raise the alarm about the future of Adams’ administration, leaving New Yorkers questioning the stability of his leadership.
