Kathryn Garcia Leaves City Government, But Will She Run For Mayor? 'Stay Tuned'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - There was a salute Friday for Kathryn Garcia on her final day as New York City's sanitation commissioner.
Bagpipes played as sanitation staff and the department's honor guard held a ceremonial walkout for Garcia at sanitation headquarters in Lower Manhattan.
Garcia resigned last week, saying she couldn't stand by while Mayor Bill de Blasio slashed more money from the department's budget. The cuts could lead to 900 layoffs.
Garcia said leaving was bittersweet.
"I did a lot of roll calls so I could go and thank the front line staff who have really been doing incredible work through the pandemic. But this has been just an unbelievable privilege, to lead this agency for the last six and half years," she said.
Garcia was asked whether she would for mayor.
"Stay tuned," she said.
Later Friday, de Blasio named Edward Grayson acting sanitation commissioner.
"Edward Grayson is the kind of experienced, steady hand New York's Strongest needs to lead the department through this transitional period," de the mayor said. "I'm grateful for his service, and I look forward to working with him to give New Yorkers the safe, livable communities they deserve."
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