Adams on Hochul’s plan for increased oversight: 'I don’t think we need guardrails'

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Mayor Eric Adams on Friday said guardrails around his administration aren’t needed to ensure that New York City is operating in the best interest of its residents.

Adams spoke one-on-one with PIX11’s Dan Mannarino a day after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced proposed measures to limit the mayor’s power and increase oversight over the city.

“I don’t think we need guardrails for the people of this city. New Yorkers elected a mayor. They have an opportunity to go back to the polling sites to determine who is going to move us forward for four years in 2026. And I think we should allow the voters to make that determination,” Adams said.

Hochul on Thursday claimed that the Trump administration is trying to use Adams’ legal troubles as leverage to “squeeze and punish” New York City. The governor said she is working to implement guardrails to ensure that decisions out of City Hall are being made in the interest of New Yorkers and not “at the behest of the president.”

Hochul’s plan includes legislation to create a special inspector general for New York City affairs. The governor also wants to give authority to the city’s comptroller, the public advocate and the New York City Council speaker to bring litigation against the federal government. She also wants to expand funding for the Office of the State Deputy Comptroller to allow for more oversight of the city and its finances.

Adams said the proposed guardrails would not impact his ability to run the city.

“I don’t want anyone to think that the three initiatives that the governor is attempting to put in place take away from the day-to-day operation of the city. The mayor is handling the day-to-day operation of the city,” Adams said.

In a statement Thursday, the mayor said he is willing to work with Hochul to ensure her trust in New York City’s government.

Adams also spoke about the meeting he had with Hochul when they discussed the proposed guardrails.

“We had a cordial conversation. She explained her rationale. We’ve worked well together. She felt the things she had to do. And we respect each other’s ability as she’s moving the state and my ability to move the city," Adams said.