If Mayor Eric Adams leaves office Public Advocate Jumaane Williams becomes acting mayor

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is accussed of taking bribes from foreign nationals in exchange for favors, according to a federal indictment unsealed by Manhattan prosecutors Thursday.

He of course is presumed innocent until found guilty, but what happens if he resigns from his position?

According to the New York City Charter, if the mayor leaves office, the next in the line of succession is the public advocate. The public advocate would immediately become acting mayor until a special election is held to choose a successor

The current public advocate is Jumaane Williams. The public advocate office was established in 1993 and is considered a watchdog arm of the government that helps citizens with municipal complaints and inquiries.

Jumaane Williams is 48-years-old and from Brooklyn, NY. He has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. He is a former member of the New York City Council from the 45th district (2010–2019), which includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Considering Running For Governor

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Jumaane Williams Wins Special Election for Public Advocate in New York City

Jumaane D. Williams, a Democratic councilman from Brooklyn, was elected as New York City public advocate Tuesday night, notching a victory over 16 other candidates in a free-for-all race that could give him a platform to seek higher office.

“We cannot wait, we cannot stand still, because the challenges in our city are too great,” Mr. Williams said. “But the opportunity to create change is even greater.”

He pledged to listen to his fellow New Yorkers and then take action on behalf of the city’s most disadvantaged residents, naming people living in public housing and victims of gun violence. He vowed to help “ upend a system of injustice that criminalizes black and brown communities, and to give those who have been caught in the system a second chance. Most of them, a first chance.”

The public advocate serves as an ombudsman to the city and is first in line to succeed a mayor departing before the end of his term. It is also seen as a potential launching pad to higher office; Mr. de Blasio went from being public advocate to becoming mayor.

[SOURCE: NY TIMES]

New York Police Officers Rally in Support of Colin Kaepernick

Controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick received some unexpected support Saturday in Brooklyn.

A local lawmaker was joined by 100 law enforcement officers, who took a stand in solidarity with Kaepernick.

"We support Kap! We support Kap!" the officers chanted, their fists raised in the air.

"All of the people behind me risk their lives, so to speak, to protect folks, and they are standing with Kaepernick because they understand how important it is to push back on the structure," City Councilman Jumaane Williams of Brooklyn said, with the officers standing behind him.

Kaepernick has been criticized for putting politics on the NFL playing field by sitting and kneeling during the national anthem before his games with the San Francisco 49ers last year. He was protesting police brutality.

No team has signed the now-free agent. Several players say teams are colluding to keep Kaepernick out of the NFL.

Read more: Law enforcement rally in Brooklyn for Colin Kaepernick