Two New Yorks, One Vision

No wonder Fernando Ferrer lost by a mammoth margin. This is now a city of ideas, and Mr. Ferrer’s campaign didn’t offer very many to entice voters. Mayor Bloomberg summed the race for mayor last week: “My opponent spends his time pointing out problems, and my focus has been on coming up with solutions.”Mr. Ferrer is a dignified and formidable politician who could have been mayor in the old New York, where voters simply wanted a mayor who would try keeping crime under control and make sure snow plows deployed promptly. New Yorkers now want invigorating ideas for improving their lives, because they now believe anything is possible in their city that only recently was spiraling out of control in the grips of crime and filth.There are two New Yorks, as Mr. Ferrer complained, dividing those who can enjoy this city’s amazing renaissance and those who are struggling to catch a glimpse of the new New York. But a crucial subtlety that was lost on the Ferrer campaign: Both New Yorks share common goals and aspirations, a sense of optimism and desire to bask in the delights of the city’s improvements. Mr. Ferrer surely has a grasp on the needs of the poorer New York, yet he failed to show he would help its inhabitants join the ranks of their richer neighbors.Mr. Bloomberg won in part because his attitude is better for the city. Hizzoner’s can-do spirit marks a vast improvement over the reticence that depressed the city’s poorest citizens for so long, leading them to believe they had no way out.In both form and substance, Mr. Bloomberg represents that way out as the personification of the American Dream. His policies seem geared towards giving those who live in his adopted city the means to follow in his footsteps if they can. New Yorkers might not enjoy the mayor’s vast wealth, but they appreciate his determination to improve their city.Back when New Yorkers had to worry about being mugged on Park Avenue (yes, I was), whether the snow would be plowed or whether playgrounds would have a place to play, mayors didn’t need new ideas. Even the basic acts of governing were considered major accomplishments, because New Yorkers didn’t believe their city could be run from City Hall.Rudolph Giuliani effectively changed the standard for city mayors from caretakers responsible for basic upkeep to contractors responsible for measurable improvements. Indeed, Mr. Bloomberg’s earliest accomplishment – mayoral control of the school system – would have been impossible to achieve if Mr. Giuliani hadn’t already proven that a mayor could take charge honestly and effectively. Mr. Giuliani proved this most stunningly through his persistent pressure on the police.In particular, the drop in crime had perhaps the most significant impact underground. For the first time in memory, the subways were considered safe to ride at night. This had an impact that cannot be overstated.Thanks to actual access to subterranean mass transit – as opposed to the theoretical knowledge that subways exist, even if people would were afraid to go near them much of the time – city life changed dramatically.New Yorkers could work later without worrying about the cost of a taxi home. New Yorkers could party later without worrying about a mugger taking advantage of the disadvantage conferred by a few drinks. And New Yorkers could move to outlying neighborhoods, especially on both ends of Manhattan and in Western Brooklyn, without worrying about how they would go to and from work.When Mr. Bloomberg took charge nearly four years ago, there was no guarantee the city would continue prospering in the basic ways. Perhaps Mr. Giuliani’s success had been unique to his unique leadership style, or a descendant of the economic boom that couldn’t survive the bust – or simply a fluke. We simply didn’t know, and the September 11 attacks offered only more reason for uncertainty.But crime is still down, the welfare rolls are still down, the subways are still safe, the streets are still clean(er) and park playgrounds still have places for children to play. With these once-broken wheels of government humming along, Mr. Bloomberg could pursue the policy ideas that most mayors can only dream about.Mayor Bloomberg has had no shortage of ideas – controlling schools, the smoking ban and 311 stand out from the beginning of his term. Voters respect Mr. Bloomberg’s commitment to making the city better, even if they don’t agree all his ideas would actually make the city better. The West Side stadium wasn’t a very popular proposal, but New Yorkers trusted Mr. Bloomberg thought the stadium was an improvement for a barren wasteland on the edge of the Hudson River.There are some definite losers in the mayor’s playbook – remember non-partisan elections, an idea that flopped with voters even after the mayor spent $7 million to boost the concept. But his first-term playbook was thick, and gave New Yorkers a sense of optimism.If there is one distinct criticism of Mr. Bloomberg’s second campaign, the lack of new ideas stands out. Giving Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly control of airport emergencies, enhancing vocational programs in city schools, and expanding the impressive 311 system don’t stand out alongside the highlights of what Mr. Bloomberg has accomplished over the last four years.But now that he’s won by such a big margin, look for Mr. Bloomberg to continue reshaping the city’s operational landscape. Two years ago, Mr. Bloomberg’s record-low approval rating of 24% must have given Democrats some optimism. Now Mayor Bloomberg is ushering in a record-long length of GOP control over New York because he offers New Yorkers some optimism. If Democrats want City Hall back, they need to adapt accept that city voters prefer Mr Bloomberg’s “City of Opportunity” to whatever it is they’ve been selling.Mr. Goldin is a host of NY1’s “Road to City Hall,” which airs weeknights at 7 and 10:30 p.m.

Two New Yorks, One Vision

Two New Yorks, One Vision

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