Friends WITH Benefits???

Love was in the air and on the ground at Laguardia Airport last week.  

Was I actually seeing the Governor of the State of New York together with the Mayor of the City of New York?  On the same stage?  Praising each other during the unveiling of the new Terminal B?

For eight years I was so used to the dysfunctional relationship of Andrew Cuomo and Bill Deblasio.  They hated each other.  It was better than watching reruns of the Odd Couple.

Eight years of bombarding, back stabbing and bullshit.  They fought over taxes, subways, COVID.  Nasty, petty, relentless. No lie, it was tons of fun to cover as a local newsman. We love it when politicians try to out-dick each other.

But enough of those two schmucks.  Let’s talk about the new lovebirds, Kathy and Eric.  

So far it’s been all lovey dovey and kissy kissy.  But soon, real soon,  the rubber is going to meet the Thruway. 

Mayor Adams has been adamant that the New York State Legislature needs to reform bail reform. It’s one of the cornerstones of his crime fighting agenda. He wants judges to once again have the discretion to set bail in cases where they believe the accused is a threat to community safety.  He’s backed by law enforcement and judges.  I also think he’s reading the public’s temperament correctly that wants an end to the gun violence and general lawlessness. After the funeral of slain NYPD Officer Jason Rivera, Mayor Adams again ripped into Albany lawmakers who don’t want to act, and hey, that includes Governor Hochul!

But the Governor has talked out of both sides of her mouth.  She says she won’t “cave to pressure” to amend the laws until she’s seen the stats. “I’m looking for data that shows me that bail reform is the reason that somehow crime is going up” says Hochul.  Not sure what numbers she’s exactly referring to.

Assembly Speaker Heastie and Senate Majority leader Stewart-Cousins are at least more transparent. They just say no.  It’s all good, no changes needed. 

Eric Adams’ buddy is Representative Tom Suozzi who is running against Hochul in the Democratic Primary for Governor.  He’s come out strongly in favor of bail reform and went so far as to promise to fire any D.A. who selectively chooses what crimes to prosecute (are you listening Alvin Bragg).  Remember, Adams offered Suozzi a Deputy Mayor’s post in his administration but Suozzi chose to run for Governor instead. Don’t think for a second that Hochul has forgotten that.

But right now she needs Adams.  She’s from Buffalo.  He’s from Brooklyn.  Democrat governors in New York don’t get elected unless they get votes from the Five Boroughs, especially Black and Latino votes.  And Eric needs the Governor, any Governor to realize his anti-crime, pro-prosperity agenda for NYC.

But who will be the Governor?

I’d love to be the fly on the wall when Adams is talking Tofurky separately with Hochul and Suozzi.

Will Kathy Hochul and Eric Adams turn out to be a friends WITH benefits? Or will Eric swap her with Suozzi? Stay tuned.