To the incredible workforce of New York City,
First of all, thank you. Thank you for your undaunted commitment to public service, to doing what you can for the people of our city in an increasingly difficult environment. Public service is always a challenge, I know, and threats from the federal government toward everything from our funding to our neighbors can make it near-impossible to navigate the good work of doing good.
I wish, at this moment, that you had a leader who would provide moral and governing clarity. Instead, you have our mayor.
Every day, Mayor Adams makes it more clear that he is willing to maneuver city government not to better the lives of New Yorkers, but to advance his own personal agenda. As you try to address the fears of students, of shelter residents, of people relying on critical city services, his advice seems to be – do nothing in the face of the worst policies of the Trump White House. We saw this in the mayor’s order last week for city workers to allow ICE into sensitive locations when “reasonably threatened,” and in his new directive ordering commissioners to adopt his strategy of acquiescence.
Donald Trump is not the mayor of New York City. City workers do not take orders from him – well, except perhaps one specific city employee, up in Gracie Mansion. So I want you to know that there are citywide and other elected leaders who see you and acknowledge your concern and courage in the face of confusing and frustrating directives come from City Hall. City employees are obliged to serve our fellow New Yorkers, no matter who they voted for, and on the same standard, city leadership should stand up for public workers performing that service.
Since our mayor is otherwise preoccupied, I wanted to take this moment on behalf of all New York to say: i thank you for all you do, and I’m sorry for all the mayor isn’t.
In service, Jumaane D. Williams Public Advocate for the City of New York
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