NEW YORK — New York City election officials are intensifying their audit of Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign, hinting at a scenario where the mayor might be obligated to reimburse $10 million.
Revealing Audit Findings
In a letter dated Jan. 16, obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request, the Campaign Finance Board notified Team Adams about extending the audit duration due to bookkeeping discrepancies and a suspected straw donor scheme uncovered in the mayor's federal case.
The letter underscored the potential for Adams to be deemed 'in breach of certification,' the board's most severe penalty, which could necessitate the return of the $10.1 million in public matching funds received during his initial mayoral bid, along with a prohibition on future public funding.
Continued Scrutiny
The board refrained from commenting on the original audit deadline but traditionally dedicates years to scrutinizing mayoral campaign finances.
Despite facing a competitive field in the June Democratic Primary and a setback of $4.3 million in public funds denial last December, Adams maintains a chance to petition for reconsideration as per the board's recent communication.
Challenges and Controversies
The funding setback coincides with declining poll numbers and Adams' association with President Donald Trump, raising uncertainties about his re-election prospects. The mayor's interactions with Trump, including the potential for a pardon, have stirred controversy, with Trump's legal team exploring options to dismiss the case.
Furthermore, the board's oversight highlights suspicions of Adams employing more bundlers than disclosed, with recent reports flagging donations potentially linked to an intermediary, Leon Goldenberg.
Transparency Measures
Goldenberg, a city lobbyist and CEO of Goldmont Realty, has connections to various Jewish organizations. Adams' campaign, initially omitting Goldenberg as a bundler, now faces the task of rectifying disclosures based on the board's findings.
While Adams' team has rectified disclosure errors in the past, the scrutiny on bundling practices underscores the need for transparency in campaign funding.