New York City Mayor Eric Adams has named Kathleen Corradi as the city's new "rat czar," reports The New York Post.
Corradi is now responsible for overseeing the city's efforts to control growing rodent populations, which have been a persistent problem in the city for years. After shrouding Corradi's name in secrecy for three weeks, with many top City Hall officials unaware of who was taking on the job ahead of last week's announcement, officials are now excited to have someone solely focused on leading rat reduction efforts across all five boroughs.
In a statement announcing the appointment, Adams praised Corradi's experience and qualifications, saying “Kathy has the knowledge, drive, experience and energy to send rats packing and create a cleaner more welcoming city for all New Yorkers. The rats are going to hate Kathy, but we’re excited to have her leading this important effort.”
Corradi, who currently works for the Department of Education, has previously worked as the head of the rodent control program in the city of Chicago, where she oversaw efforts to reduce the rat population. She has also worked in pest control for more than 20 years and has been recognized for her expertise in rodent control.
The Adams administration first started advertising for the rodent czar position late last year, with a salary range of between $120,000 to $170,000.
And according to the NY Post, Corradi will be paid $155,000 in the newly-created gig, as she’s already familiar with the pests having spent several years spearheading the DOE’s rat reduction efforts in 120 buildings throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx.
“Rats are a symptom of systemic issues, including sanitation, health, housing and economic justice,” Corradi said in a public statement.
“As the first director of rodent mitigation, I’m excited to bring a science- and systems-based approach to fight rats. New York may be famous for the Pizza Rat, but rats, and the conditions that help them thrive, will no longer be tolerated — no more dirty curbs, unmanaged spaces or brazen burrowing.”
The city's rat problem has increased in recent years, with complaints about rats increasing by 38% between 2019 and 2022.
The city has implemented a number of measures to combat the problem, including increasing the number of rat-proof garbage cans and stepping up enforcement of regulations on building owners.
However, with Corradi's plans to bring a “science- and systems-based approach” to fight rats — with a focus on “cutting off the food, water and shelter rats need to survive,”many New Yorkers remain hopeful in the city's efforts to take on the challenge of controlling the rat population in New York City.
“You’ll be seeing a lot more of me — and a lot less rats,” Corradi vowed as her position was announced at Harlem’s St. Nicholas Park last week.
