Local politics have been inseparable from corruption for centuries and tolerance towards these illicit activities seems to be quite high. It was in April that the Manhattan Institute conducted a survey amongst 700 New York residents across a range of political affiliations and demographics. These individuals were considered likely to cast their votes in the anticipated mayoral elections of the following year. The respondents were asked about various topics ranging from kidnapped officials to immigration and the state of the city. Shockingly, a mere 16 percent proclaimed they were inclined to vote for Eric Adams as mayor for a second term.
It is important to comprehend that polling data merely provides a snapshot of a specific moment. The dynamics of the political world change rapidly, and several changes have transpired since the poll was conducted. Just in the past week, there was an unexpected turn of events when federal investigators raided several members belonging to the Adams administration in connection to an alleged bribery case.
Interestingly, these investigations were completely unrelated to another ongoing investigation that emerged last year. The investigation was centered around the suspicion of Eric Adams receiving illegal contributions from the Turkish government during his 2021 campaign. It is noteworthy that neither Mayor Adams, who consistently professes of his administration’s full cooperation with the investigators, nor any of his top officials have yet been indicted for any crime.
However, the recent investigation has put the administration under a harsh light that would not be easily dismissed. Amongst other developments, it was the sudden raid that has highlighted a rather intricate form of nepotism deeply rooted in the governance of the city. As part of the investigation, law enforcement officials confiscated the cellular devices of multiple high-ranking city officials.
The devices of David C. Banks, the city’s schools chancellor; his girlfriend, Sheena Wright, who serves as the first deputy mayor; and his brother, Philip B. Banks III, the deputy mayor for public safety, were all seized. Terence Banks, yet another brother, who runs a consultancy firm to reconcile the ‘complex systems of New York’s infrastructure and political landscape,’ was also asked to surrender his device. Moreover, other notable individuals under investigation included Edward Caban, the police commissioner who tendered his resignation last Thursday, and his twin brother, James Caban, who is suspected of selling security goodies to nightclubs.
This has resulted in intense speculation about how these developments will affect Mayor Adams’ re-election prospects. This especially holds true since he faces strong competition from three prominent Democratic rivals – state Senator Zellnor Myrie, Brad Lander, the current city’s comptroller, and Scott Stringer, the former comptroller.
With the mayoral primaries still a few months away, no significant polling data has been conducted that would accurately reflect the current predicament. Over the years, academic research from political scientists has suggested that voters’ response to actual corruption is surprisingly lenient. This leniency towards the appearance of corruption has been attributed to either its complex nature and elusive understanding or the voters finding a corrupt candidate more ideologically compatible than a ‘clean’ candidate.
In addition, corruption has been entrenched in municipal politics across the history of this nation, which has fostered a certain societal immunity towards it. In 1904, journalist Lincoln Steffens published his work – ‘The Shame of the Cities’. This investigated the fraudulent activities and lawless tendencies of municipal leaders around the US. One of Steffens’ subjects was Doc Ames, the then mayor of Minneapolis, who infamously filled the city’s police department with criminals. Not only did he run the agency as a protection racket, but he also appointed his brother to head it.
An annual kickback amounting to $15,000 was gained from the 200 slot machines positioned throughout the city. Despite this information being public knowledge, it failed to invoke significant citizen outrage. Instead, it attracted more criminals to Minneapolis. Even so, Doc Ames served as the mayor for four terms, having been repeatedly voted back into office by the residents.
When it comes to recent city management cases, no better illustration presents itself than the rise and eventual fall of Buddy Cianci, former mayor of Providence who passed away eight years ago. Despite being a Republican in a Democratic-leaning state, Cianci managed to get elected as mayor in 1974. He was known for his strict stance against corruption, having previously served as a prosecutor who imprisoned the infamous New England crime lord, Raymond Patriarca.
However, during his first term in office, 22 individuals from his orbit were convicted on corruption charges. Still, Cianci remained in office till 1984, only resigning after he was convicted for torturing his estranged wife’s lover and committing felony assault. Six years later, he ran for the mayorship again and was victorious.
By the late 1990s, Cianci found himself in the eye of a federal investigation known as Operation Plunder Dome. ‘Over half of the people in Providence believed him to be guilty, yet two-thirds thought of him as a strong leader. His popularity even increased after his indictment,’ narrated Mike Stanton, who reported on Cianci for The Providence Journal.
What can justify such absolution and unwavering loyalty from the voters? As Stanton explained, ‘The charisma outweighs the corruption. It’s a cynical perspective – everyone is corruptible. Politics is corrupt. But Cianci got things done. He made us feel good about ourselves, putting a second-tier city on the map.’
His sizeable personality also played a role in the steadfast loyalty he received from his constituents. Despite being engaged in numerous controversies, Cianci was legitimately funny and made regular appearances on Don Imus’s radio show, gaining him nationwide attention. One can only speculate what the future holds for Adam’s reelection bid considering his lack of a similar charismatic presence and the absence of a beloved public persona.
However, an emotional connection can often lead to forgiving a great deal. Stanton pointed out, ‘Adams does not seem very lovable’, which could pose a potential hindrance to his relatability among the residents of New York, subsequently impacting his chances of securing a second term as mayor.