Eric Adams: The Future is Here

T.M. Robinson
3 min readAug 12, 2021

November’s Mayoral election in New York City will go down as one of the most important in our history. The city is desperate for a leader with vision. We need an effective plan from someone who is prepared to recover from the pandemic with strategic precision. Promising to implement the best emerging technologies to improve failing city infrastructure and create equitable opportunities for all New Yorkers, Eric Adams is ready to take NYC into the future.

The People’s Candidate

Unlike many past candidates who have claimed blue collar status to win over constituents, Eric Adams’ track record exemplifies his lifelong commitment to making New York the best city in America.

“Public Safety is the preamble to prosperity,” Eric Adams

His battle against injustice began early; at the age of 15, Mr. Adams was unlawfully assaulted in the basement of an NYC precinct by the very police officers tasked with protecting his community. Rather than allowing this experience to crush him, he found purpose. Eric Adams went on to create 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, marching side by side with civil rights activists to address systemic misbehavior by cops. In addition, Mr. Adams earned the rank of Captain, pioneering the first computerized system for comprehensive crime tracking, leading to monumental gains in public safety.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has become a national leader in public health policy as well, partnering with civic organizations to reach underserved communities with education about wellness and preventative care. He advocated for tenant and workers’ rights, combatted gun violence and advanced human rights during his time in public service.

Economic Opportunity

“To recover faster and stronger, and to grow an equitable economy, we must expand into new emerging industries that have the potential to provide work for New Yorkers from all backgrounds and educations.”

Best case scenario, New York City is estimated to have lost more than half a million jobs in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Eric Adams’ plan to revive the city’s faltering economy is actionable and will put NYC back to work. By changing land and building use rules, the plan will fill our empty spaces with life and renewed business, removing red tape for small businesses struggling to get on their feet. He will lift up our working class with direct cash assistance, free childcare and unparalleled city-wide job training and placement.

When Eric Adams spoke to the people of Rockaway Beach, NY on Tuesday August 10, 2021, his messaging was clear: the opportunity to learn, work and contribute is the very pursuit of happiness written into the foundation of this country — an inalienable right. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure equitable access to education and employment, growing infrastructure from the hard work of the people, not by exploiting their interests.

The Future of Blockchain in NYC

Although his victory is almost certain, blockchain developers and entrepreneurs will be paying very close attention to see if the ‘Mayor of All Bitcoins’ is indeed elected. New York has lost a step and because of tight, and mostly misdirected, regulation, fear of progress has held the world’s greatest city back from building upon DLT advancements. Eric Adams can change that.

Eric Adams (L) and Tyree Robinson (R)

After briefly explaining my work with Oraichain and aiRight, I asked if Mr. Adams is considering blockchain to improve the city’s infrastructure. His response was simple, “I’m putting together a roundtable and I want you there.” His openness, desire to learn and connect with the best emerging technology is apparent. His plans to create an e-wallet for city workers and those who receive aid is necessary and overdue. Rewarding businesses that source locally will drive demand. Demand will bring business back to New York City.

Eric Adams seems to know what he’s in for. No matter who you are, running New York City is a tough job, one of the toughest there is. This may be his chance to shape urban society for generations to come.

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