For the first time in 11 years, the candidate pool for the New York City mayoral election does not include Michael Bloomberg. There will be a wide range of contenders on Sept. 10, including City Council speaker Christine Quinn, former New York comptroller Bill Thompson, New York public advocate Bill de Blasio, and perhaps most well-known, former Congressman Anthony Weiner. With Bloomberg’s final term coming to a close, the keys to New York will soon be kept by a new caretaker.
New York has become an arguably cleaner and safer metropolis under Bloomberg, with a glistening exterior, but has yet to demonstrate the characteristics that make for a truly remarkable interior as a sharp divide remains between the city’s elite and poor. It would, of course, be easier for the mayor’s successor to assume the role of the enforcer. New York would thrive if it is led by a trailblazer, an individual who recognizes the gaping holes — like increasing obesity — and follows through with a pragmatic policy rather than circumventing the problem.
Even with his notorious, subpar Latino accent, Bloomberg has proven himself to be a capable leader. Having expanded environmental proposals, pledged to rebuild areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy and maintained sophisticated counterterrorism measures, Bloomberg has also been a voice for gun control and immigration reform. His successor will be tasked with either continuing the legacy or establishing a new platform — one aimed at filling the gaps.
Mayoral hopeful Weiner deemed himself the most apt choice for New York, notwithstanding very public personal dilemmas. Weiner says that he will fight for families every single day. That is what New Yorkers need, right? Someone who will fight for more just education policies, advocate for a less polluted New York and protect the most diverse city in the world. In a city with visibly growing income inequality and policies like stop-and-frisk that engender grave racial disparities, it is imperative that New Yorkers evaluate the old as a means of creating the new.
De Blasio has run a populist’s campaign, recognizing the inherent inequality. Quinn, ultimately tied to Bloomberg, has been deemed the race’s front-runner in several polls, citing education reform as one of her top priorities. New York’s future will depend on whether New Yorkers are satisfied with the status quo or ready for change.
Bloomberg was correct to say that New York is a strong city, but said it could “be stronger” in his final State of City address. Contingent on voters, the great metropolis will foster greater equality, instill higher standards of education, create affordable housing and live up to its unrivaled potential.
A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Sept. 3 print edition. Maria Michalos is a contributing columnist. Email her at opinion@ nyunews.com.
