There may be trouble in the NYC triumvirate… or at the very least, the honeymoon sounds like it’s ending.
The city’s top three officials are usually in lockstep — or close to it — on most issues.
But on Wednesday, city Controller Scott Stringer criticized Mayor de Blasio for that phone call he put in to the NYPD about his political pal, Bishop Orlando Findlayter.
Now, New York’s third citywide official, Public Advocate Letitia James, is letting the administration have it for keeping schools open despite the mess out there.
“It is clear that a re-evaluation of the criteria for closing New York City schools is needed after today’s storm,” James said in a statement Thursday, as parents continued to rage about classes being held and reports of school bus accidents trickled in.
“We must adjust the standards so that students, teachers, administrators, and parents are not put in harm’s way,” James continued.
“I am particularly concerned about the afternoon dismissal, and the road conditions this evening. It is important that school absences are excused, and that city workers are excused for lateness connected to their commute.”
De Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina defended the decision to hold classes despite the road conditions, saying they acted on the best information they had at the time, that snow days are and must be rare, and that parents rely on public schools to keep kids safe — and fed — while they work.
IMAGE: MARUS SANTOS/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
