Brooklyn Boro

Brooklyn’s BP-elect Eric Adams ‘Can’t wait to get started’

Says he will introduce legislation as part of ‘proactive’ approach

November 7, 2013 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle
b_Officer Brennan and Eric Adams.jpg
Share this:

State Senator Eric Adams, Brooklyn’s new Borough Present-elect, is poised to replace Brooklyn’s popular three-term BP Marty Markowitz.

On Wednesday, the day after his landslide win over Conservative Elias J. Weir, Adams, a former NYPD captain and founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, described for the Brooklyn Eagle the ways that he will leave his own indelible mark on Brooklyn.

“The Office of the Borough President can play a major role in shaping Brooklyn’s future as a leader, advocate and organizer,” he said. “First, the office can improve access to government resources to those who need them. Second, it must be pro-active in its approach to wider policy and challenges. For instance, growing the Brooklyn economy by partnering with businesses that will look out for working families.

Adams also said that he would introduce legislation to the City Council, a rarely used power granted to borough presidents. “I will use the office to improve quality of life throughout the borough—including initiatives and legislation to better health, public safety and financial literacy.”

Despite all of Brooklyn’s much-ballyhooed improvements over the past decade, Adams called this “a pivotal moment for Brooklyn.”

“Yes, we have drawn great interest and investment in recent years—but there are still many who live here who haven’t benefited from that. I want to turn our popularity into prosperity for all.”

He said Brooklyn faces three main challenges: the economy; affordability; and safety.

“We must grow our economy overall, but also include the 25 percent in poverty,” he explained.

“We must make Brooklyn more affordable, so that all families can live here.”

And, “We must make Brooklyn safer. There is still much to do on guns, youth crime and violence against women. And some neighborhoods need special attention.”

When it comes to spending capital funds, Adams said, “I will look at each project requesting funds individually on its merits.”

Adams gave kudos to his bubbly predecessor. “Marty utilized the limited resources given to him to do a great job. Once in office, I look forward to learning from him and his people in order to continue that good work with my staff.”

Adams thanked the supporters who backed him throughout his quest for the position. “Yesterday’s vote brings us to the end of one long, successful journey so that we may begin another. I cannot thank enough the dedicated Brooklynites who shared my vision for our beloved borough, and shared their time, energy and passion to make this day possible.

“This campaign was a true team effort that inspired our neighbors from Greenpoint to Coney Island, Sunset Park to Park Slope, Brownsville to Brooklyn Heights—and beyond. I am so proud that our message of one Brooklyn – where all residents in all neighborhoods have a fair shot – is what carried us here,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Subscribe to our newsletters


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment