7 Comments

What about Mark Levine's support for that monstrous building in Inwood???

and they built a horrible affordable on W 108 St... ugh!!! Read Lewis Mumford!!!

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As an alumnus of both the Bloomberg and de Blasio administration, I really appreciate the clear-eyed reflection on, and assessment of, two things here, Ross.

First, the recognition of “relative efficiency” during the de Blasio administration. Sure, there were some terrible appointments and hires; but, there were some incredible, competent, and forward-thinking ones as well. Granted, some clashed with City Hall and left prematurely, but the talent was there.

Second, the recognition that Adams--no matter how hard he tries--is not Bloomberg. Indeed, he exemplifies the worst of Bloomberg. (Even Adams’ promiscuous use of “Get shit done” in the hallways of City Hall is an unfortunate imitation of Bloomberg’s infamous “Don’t fuck up.”)

Katz’s departure is an enormous loss. And a signal to those who follow city politics that the housing issue remains a huge wedge (among many) between the Mayor and the City Council.

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You mention the reduction in crime that Adams “can take credit for.” It is the rare elected official who knows the difference between “effective governing achieving results” and “things you can try to take credit for”. For the majority, they end up being the same thing.

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Great analysis as always.

I suspect Adams understands that in this political climate NYC residents will just vote for a democrat no matter what. I've put school issues in front of colleagues (Race to the Top / Common Core / Testing industrial complex) and they hate those things, but when I explain that their favorite D politician backed it, I get: "I could never see myself voting for a Republican".

And there you have it. Couple that with Adams telling every Upper West and East side Progressive that they're racists if they don't vote for him, and you've a winning formula.

City gov't is controlled by powerful moneyed forces, Real Estate in particular, and when you combine that with a population that with today's polarization you get a lightweight like Adams.

The Hotel Newton on the UWS is unavailable to tourists from other countries, as well as American citizens. It's packed with 'migrants'. All the secondary effects that no one likes to talk about are happening. If you can do that to an area and not move the voting habit needle, what can't you do?

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No it won't. We are all expect everything will keep getting worse every year no matter who wins, as it has my whole life.

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Everyone knew Adams would be bad at doing the basics of running government and now the city suffers. One takeaway for Adams to heed from the Chicago race is that older black voters didn't actually show up to the same degree in either round, which for Adams should be a concern that you cannot just bank on voters if they don't feel motivated. All of this is while as you pointed out Adams basically gave up on appealing to certain parts of the city, who will beyond motivated to see him ousted.

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Adams in some ways is like Trump - no real experience in government. His time as borough president and even State Senator was mostly glad handing. Like Giuilani, his policy is mostly reward his sycophants. Nice article.

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