New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ health commissioner has become the third official in his administration to resign amid federal corruption investigations.
The Democrat mayor chose Dr. Ashwin Vasan to serve as a top health official at the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic
Vasan has now announced his resignation as Adams is investigated for suspected improper dealings with up to six different foreign governments, including Communist China.
Mental health expert Vasan claims that he decided to leave Adams’ administration to spend more time with his family, according to a statement.
“As anyone with a family — or a chosen family — knows, you are never alone in service,” Vasan said.
“My wife and three young children have served alongside me, bearing the brunt of my absence and shouldering so much.
“I’m grateful for their love and have chosen that now it is time to support them and their well-being.”
Vasan’s bio on the Columbia University website, where he is an adjunct professor, says he has three school-age children.
In recent weeks, other officials who have resigned from Adams’ cabinet include City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, and Schools Chancellor David Banks.
Both Caban and Banks were raided along with Adams.
However, there are no reports that Zornberg or Vasan have been looked at in the investigation.
A new report from CBS News said that federal agencies are looking at Adams’ dealings with six foreign governments.
His office is accused of illegal dealings with Turkey, Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
The investigation began with suspicions about Adams’ relationship with top Turkish officials and donations he may have received from them.
Adams has denied any wrongdoing and seems to have his head in the sand about the allegations.
On Tuesday morning, the NYC mayor told reporters:
“Eight, nine, 10 months ago, when this investigation first came to light, look at how the city continued to progress.
“We didn’t stand still, we didn’t stop, we continued to produce housing, we continued to bring down crime, we continued to progress, and we’re going to continue to do that.”
When local news reporter Marcia Kramer asked for a response from Adams about how he’s dealing with the allegations, he responded:
“You’re going to have to wait to get my book.
“What I must do, what I say over and over again, things that come up in life – as you talked about, the ‘Job moment,’ – things that come up in life, they always come up.
“There’s always something happening in life, can you stay focused on your mission?”
“I’m going to fight for New Yorkers, I’ve always done that, I’m not going to stop doing that,” he continued.
Adams insisted that it would not be difficult to replace his departed officials, saying that the city has a “deep bench.”
He may be right, but it seems like his time as leader of NYC might be over soon.
