Editor’s note: José Bayona takes a break from politics

José Bayona, the former executive director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media, handed in his resignation to leave the Adams administration last week. After first declining to comment, Bayona later gave a brief explanation for this editor’s note. “I was exploring a departure about six months ago because I started feeling exhausted,” he said. “So, I decided it was time to move on. I’m going to take a break from politics, spend some time with my son before he goes off to college, and then return to consulting.”

Bayona, who is of Colombian and Venezuelan descent, had been a visible presence on Adams’ first mayoral campaign and helped secure Latino support for the run. He then joined the administration to launch the media office and became one of the highest ranking Latinos in the administration. His departure delivered a blow to maintaining Latino representation at City Hall, but it’s understandable. “I hate to see him leave, but I think he did as much as he could,” said political commentator Gerson Borrero, a Puerto Rican who has called for more Latinos in leadership at City Hall.

It’s no secret that politics will burn people out. Bayona had worked intensely, between the campaign and launch of the media office. “We appreciate everything Jose did for our team and his years of service to the city, especially as he helped stand up the Office of Community and Ethnic Media. José helped turn on the lights for our administration and has been an invaluable member of our team since day one,” Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy said in an email. “We wish him the best of luck.”