A 'cheesy' trap has been set up for the fast and furriest rats by NYC Mayor Eric Adams. On April 12, 2023, Mr. Mayor finally revealed the name of NYC's first "rat-czar," Kathleen Corradi. She has plans to eradicate the rodent population currently plaguing the Big Apple. Corradi, whose name was a guarded secret for three weeks by the officials, currently working for the Department of Education, is originally a land use expert who specializes in urban sustainability. 

She is the Director of Rodent Mitigation and pledged to rid the city of the animal. "You'll be seeing a lot more of me — and a lot less rats," Corradi vowed when she announced the "rat czar" at Harlem's St. Nicholas Park on April 12. She stood beside Adams and declared, "He hates rats, I hate rats, and every New Yorker hates rats." 

The role is a first of its kind and NYC has never heard of 'rat czar' before. In this newly created position, Corradi will coordinate across city government agencies, community organizations, and the private sector to reduce the rat population in NYC. "Pizza rats may live in infamy but rats and the conditions that support their thriving will no longer be tolerated in New York City. No more dirty curbs, unmanaged spaces, or brazen burrowing. There's a new sheriff in town. And with your help, we'll send those rats packing," she announced. 

Adams seemed thrilled to have Corradi on board. "Her goal will be to build a cleaner, more welcoming city and tackle 'public enemy number one."' The mayor added, "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." 

The new exterminator has a past with rats. She told the press, "Destiny was calling, you see. I have a long history with rats." No wonder she was chosen out of 900 applicants and will be paid  $155,000 in the newly-created gig. The experience with rats came from her childhood days as she used to campaign for anti-rat measures in her neighborhood, has a background in biology, and previously served as a garden coordinator at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The best choice, indeed. She explained, "During those years, I spent a lot of time looking for signs of rats and working to end the conditions that allow them to thrive. Due to those efforts, nearly 70% of schools with persistent rat issues reached their compliance goals." She also worked as an elementary school teacher. 

Immediately after, she discussed the "science and system-based approach" to fighting rats. She promised to take on litter, garbage and food waste where rats thrive. "Rats are tough, but New Yorkers are tougher," said the rat czar. Adams addressed the reason for appointing Corradi, "New York City has done a lot recently when it comes to fighting public enemy number one: rats. But it was clear we needed someone solely focused on leading our rat reduction efforts across all five boroughs."