NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Mayor Eric Adams cleared his schedule last week for “numerous doctors’ appointments and medical tests,” and revealed Wednesday that all tests conducted for an ongoing severe pain in his side came back negative.
“You know, not many things scare me, but I was concerned, and the doctor said, 'Eric, I want you to take a series of tests,’” the mayor said at his weekly media availability.
The tests included Adams, 64, going under anesthesia, something he discussed with his son and administration. He explained that all proper protocols were in place with his first deputy mayor and staff for any potential transfer of power.
“We did everything we were required to do during the period under anesthesia,” Adams said. “Everything we were required to do we did.”
Adams said that he did not immediately feel obligated to inform New Yorkers as it was about taking care of his health.
Deputy Mayor of Communications Fabien Levy wrote a statement posted to social media and emailed to press on Sunday that explained the mayor was going to have a limited public schedule due to health concerns and that “Like every other New Yorker, Mayor Adams has a right to privacy when it comes to personal matters.”
Levy emphasized that city government would continue to deliver, and that they were communicating his schedule change in case of the “unlikely event” Adams could not fully discharge his duties.
The mayor said that never happened.
“I never left my role as being responsible for running the city,” Adams said.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams made a statement Wednesday claiming that the mayor did not inform him he was going under anesthesia, which he says goes against the city charter.
“Communication is key—not only in the event that the public advocate needs to assume mayoral powers, but to proactively ensure the city charter can and will be followed in the event of a serious outcome,” Williams said. “Now more than ever New Yorkers need full faith in the continuity and competence of the city's government.”
Williams said that designating certain authorities to First Deputy Mayor Maria Springer-Torres “does not constitute the due diligence of a responsible leader, and it does not replace the charter’s language on the continuity of government.”
According to the charter, if the mayor is temporarily unable to discharge his powers “by reason of sickness or otherwise … the powers and duties of the office of mayor shall devolve upon the public advocate or the comptroller in that order of succession.”
Williams said that in the event of any future vacancies or absences, the public and governing partners need to be able to trust that process is followed.
“I feel deeply disturbed by this latest evidence of the mayor ignoring city regulations to suit his own purposes,” Williams said. “He has long demonstrated a tendency to test how far he can go in bending or breaking rules, and this is a clear example.”
According to the mayor, an executive order he issued on Sept. 26 makes it clear that the first deputy mayor has the power to perform his duties.
Adams said that since he tests came back negative he is refocusing on his health, including losing weight and cooking for himself after his doctor revealed he gained 25 pounds in his first term.