What’s the Buzz: What Should Eric Adams’s Top Priorities Be?

Eric Adams will replace Bill de Blasio as mayor on January 1. Photo Credit: Krystalb97 

By THE ARGUS STAFF

On November 2, New York’s voters elected Eric Adams, a Democrat, to be the city’s next mayor. His term starts January 1. We asked Midwood students what issue they thought should be his top priority when he starts the job. Here’s what they said:

“Climate change, because it's an issue that affects us all — the entire human species. The planet is also our home and it's our moral responsibility to take care of it.” — Abdullah Rouf ‘23

“Economics, and how to get jobs for the unemployed. I would like him to spend money wisely on things and for the people who need it.” — Bella Chen ‘25

“Inflation. The consumer price index has risen 5.4%, but some daily items cost much more. The mayor should address this problem, as many people, such as lower income families, have already been affected.” — Phoebe Wu ‘23

“Income inequality. The mayor should increase the minimum wage beyond $15 an hour. That way anyone who is employed, regardless of gender, race, etc, will have a higher income, which may also reduce poverty.” — Jessica Zombori ‘25

“The homelessness issue should be a top priority. It’s getting colder and people are still on the streets with nowhere to go. I’d like him to create safer homeless shelters since safety is one of the big reasons that people avoid them.” — Fairuz Shrabon ‘22

“I’d want him to put more money into the MTA and expand transit throughout the five boroughs to better connect our city. This will help to reduce our fossil fuel use and the city’s carbon emissions because cars will not be as necessary.” — Lien Garcia ‘23

“Sanitation and recycling. He should establish strict mandates that make citizens pick up after themselves to combat climate change and pollution.” — Vivian Chu ‘23

“Getting the economy back up. Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic started, the prices of many necessities such as food and housing have dramatically increased. Not only do consumers have to pay a lot more for things than before, but many are unemployed.” — Jeffery Huang ‘23

“A top priority should be the safety of the general population. As of late, gun violence has increased significantly. He should try to enforce stricter gun laws to ensure the safety of our society.” — Romy Swis, ‘24

“I think the mayor should employ more firefighters, and I don't think there should be a vaccine mandate for them because we are low on firefighters already and we can't risk losing more.” — Rabiah Aziz ‘22

“Educational equality for all kids. The mayor should open up more school options and create more opportunities for higher education in relatively poor neighborhoods.” — Jose De Jesus Sanchez ‘25