Transcript: Mayor Adams Appears Live on Times Square Alliance's New Year's Eve Webcast

December 31, 2023

Times Square Co-Host, Jeremy Hassell: Hello, New York City and the world. I am here right in the middle of Times Square. You look so familiar. [Laughter.]

This is Mayor Eric Adams. So, tell me, what are you most proud of in 2023, of everything.

Mayor Eric Adams: Well, first of all, you're rockin' that tux, man.

Hassell: C'mon now, talk about it.

Mayor Adams: The amazing job of the New York City Police Department, you know, crime is down, jobs are up. When I took office, we had really the fourth lowest tourism in 25 years, now we have the highest fourth level in the history of the city. Jobs are coming back.

With all the challenges, New York City is so resilient, the people are amazing. This is what we promised, this is what we committed. Never count New York City out. 2024 is our year. And these amazing people behind us and here celebrating right here in the middle of Times Square.

Listen, there's only two types of Americans: those who live in New York and those who wish they could. We're the lucky ones. We're New Yorkers.

Hassell: Talk that talk, and also, what are you looking forward to? What should we look forward to in 2024?

Mayor Adams: I think all of us should look forward to our families. You know, after over 30 years of doing this type of work, I want to spend some time with my family, particularly my son Jordan. He's getting older, he's an adult now. He watched me and watched my career. I think all of us should recommit ourselves to our families.

You know, our families are everything to us. And sometimes we're [inaudible] to our jobs and don't realize the real job to show the love and compassion to those who lift us up all the time. So, this is a year of family for me, and I'm hoping all of us do the same.

We all went through a lot through Covid, we've come back. Now it's time to re‑immerse ourselves in the beauty of being around those that we love.

Hassell: I agree. Thank you for taking the time to speak to me as well. 

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