Discussion
Why is Mamdani so popular with New Yorkers? Is it because he makes extravagant promises of free ponies for everyone and looks cute in a suit?
In reality the growing popularity of the mayor is built on his commitment to doing something much less glamorous: listening to and untangling the problems government can cause for ordinary people and business owners.
Consider this collection of changes to city "red tape"
1/
Simplifying permitting processes and getting rid of old illogical laws is "low hanging fruit" there isn't any lobby or group that likes this stuff, but for decades no one could be bothered to fix it because the small vendors aren't a powerful political lobby.
The choice to take the time to explain the changes to the public and celebrate them is also significant.
This stuff is what city government work is really all about.
2/
for decades no one could be bothered to fix it because the small vendors aren't a powerful political lobby.
I don't have specific knowledge of New York in this regard, but it's quite common that big business is lobbying for this kind of regulation. Entirely sensible-sounding regulations add barriers to entry and the costs of compliance are often easier to amortise over a large business.
@david_chisnall
The extra vendor licenses required to sell ice cream, or to sell fresh fruit outside of a bodega could easily have been protectionism for someone at some point... but if that was the case the festive unveiling of these changes has made those people very quiet.
Though it also possible that they are dead and gone since really no one pays attain to this stuff that causes suffering for little people.
People who don't live here are worrying about vast sweeping changes, but the real work is more granular.
And making the work a part of a story about a city government making a comeback as a government that serves ordinary people.
Potholes matter, too hot subways stations matter, details matter.
And each of these details are tangible proof of the larger idea.
Many will want to replicate this, but here is a hint. You can't fake it.
3/
If you want to convince the public you are a public servant who cares about the details you need to ... care about the details.
But if you can manage that don't forget to tell everyone that is what you are doing.
4/4
Conservative president Ronald Reagan famously said “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help.”
Mamdani is making those nine words terrifying in a new way for conservatives. If he keeps succeeding more people might stop laughing along with Reagan's unpatriotic "America Can't" cynicism and we might all start to imagine that government *can* be effective, fair and trustworthy. For and by The People.
Shake in your boots, Ronnie.
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