If only the NY times was as diligent in scrutinizing Bloomberg's money trail. The man more than tripled his networth during his time as Mayor; yet, curiously enough the NY media never as so much raised an eyebrow. I can't recall any instance of investigative journalism undertaken by the media, to ascertain whether or not Mr. Bloomberg violated any Conflict of Interest laws. Was there any transparancy by the Bloomberg administration when he was attempting to privatize everything under the sun? I'm not a De Blasio cheerleader, but as a working class resident of NYC I'm sure as heck glad we don't have the corporate overlord Bloomberg as mayor anymore. It's really strange that Mayor De Blasio's Rent Guidlines Board voted for a zero percent increase for rent - which benefits millions of New York City residents - yet the NY media establishment is attempting to frame him as some sort of monster. De Blasio also fought for, and won universal pre-k. Now before posters start commenting on tax dollars going toward the child--related subsidization, it's no different than when private property developers receive our tax dollars to subsidize their projects. The NY times speaks for the elite, De Blasio speaks for the silent majority which is why he receives such hate from the media.
3
He's the biggest mistake NYC made in a long time. He is a hypocrite and the worst kind of dirty politician:
1. He imposes a rent freeze on landlords, but rents out his own house at a full market rent of $5,500. Doesn't seem like affordable housing to me. Of course he's living free in Gracie Mansion.
2. He cozies up to the teachers' union and fights to close charter schools, which actually are successful and teaches kids how to read.
3. He engineers the appointment of the City Council speaker and democracy goes out the window.
4. He fails to plow the snow on the Upper East Side in retribution for the zip code voting for the other candidate.
5. He clearly has his eye on the national spotlight; NYC is secondary.
6. He supports community protests over his own police department, which culminates in the death of two police officers sitting in their patrol car.
NYC deserves everything it is going to get from electing this incompetent.
1. He imposes a rent freeze on landlords, but rents out his own house at a full market rent of $5,500. Doesn't seem like affordable housing to me. Of course he's living free in Gracie Mansion.
2. He cozies up to the teachers' union and fights to close charter schools, which actually are successful and teaches kids how to read.
3. He engineers the appointment of the City Council speaker and democracy goes out the window.
4. He fails to plow the snow on the Upper East Side in retribution for the zip code voting for the other candidate.
5. He clearly has his eye on the national spotlight; NYC is secondary.
6. He supports community protests over his own police department, which culminates in the death of two police officers sitting in their patrol car.
NYC deserves everything it is going to get from electing this incompetent.
7
Can you imagine if Fiorello LaGuardia had speech writers, paid political advisers and consultants? Gratis is obviously part of the game plan, but when the taxpayers are paying for it ....Mayor de Blasio needs to seek solace, hunker down and engage his "Mindware" tools and stop listening to the barrage of paid angel voices because maybe their musical choir message is pure propoganda and political rhetoric. Speak to the people from your heart and mind!
3
The duplicity inherent in liberal anti-privilege agendas while embracing and exploiting those same privileges, is standard operating procedure in local and national politics - hence understandable IF you accept the status quo (which most of us do not)
However De Blasio's inept leadership, the anti-police agendas, the tardiness, the disorganization and disrespect for the mayors office and for NYC makes most of us long for the next election.
However De Blasio's inept leadership, the anti-police agendas, the tardiness, the disorganization and disrespect for the mayors office and for NYC makes most of us long for the next election.
7
So the First Lady delivered a keynote address at a fundraiser for the Coalition for the Homeless held at the Hotel Pierre--so New York!
5
Compare how he used his children to promote his political career with Obama or even Clinton, who did everything they could to shield their children from the limelight.
4
You know why this guy got the job? Because no one else who was good wanted it.
1
What a vain man -- and the money would be better spent taking tap-dancing lessons, because after two years of this guy he's gonna need some fancy footwork to prevent things from continuing to go south. Did someone say, One Term Mayor?
3
Yet more proof that whether you live in blue or red state/community, Democrat or Republican, absolutely nothing of consequence will change until we take the money out of politics. The USA desperately needs campaign finance reform, including much tighter regulations precluding people leaving elective office and government service from going back into the private sector to sell their access and contacts to the highest bidders. This revolving door we used to call public service is rotting out the core of our democracy.
9
And he still seems like a hapless buffoon.....
6
He's a 1 term mayor.
1
His ineptitude has nothing to do with his political leaning. He's a well-meaning if doofy outer borough council member whose ascendancy to the top job was the product of lots of lucky breaks (low turnout; fragmented turnout; Bloomberg fatigue). He misread his election as being some sort of watershed moment, and thought that he personified a "movement" that didn't really exist.
He was naive enough to think that he could get along amiably with the governor, and staffed accordingly. He hasn't been necessarily been on the wrong sides of issues in his confrontations with Cuomo, but he's been humiliated at every turn. These public whippings don't redound to Cuomo's credit, but they sure don't look good for Bill, either. He can't seem to find an issue where he doesn't end up negotiating backwards or worse, not understanding what he's getting. See his DOT commish hailing the MTA Capital Plan as "very terrific" before Hizzoner realized, 7 days later, that yeah, he wants the 2nd Ave Subway.
The tabloid smears of "higher crime" are ridiculous. And the class stuff is well beyond his control. He just happens to be the wrong doofus at the wrong time.
He was naive enough to think that he could get along amiably with the governor, and staffed accordingly. He hasn't been necessarily been on the wrong sides of issues in his confrontations with Cuomo, but he's been humiliated at every turn. These public whippings don't redound to Cuomo's credit, but they sure don't look good for Bill, either. He can't seem to find an issue where he doesn't end up negotiating backwards or worse, not understanding what he's getting. See his DOT commish hailing the MTA Capital Plan as "very terrific" before Hizzoner realized, 7 days later, that yeah, he wants the 2nd Ave Subway.
The tabloid smears of "higher crime" are ridiculous. And the class stuff is well beyond his control. He just happens to be the wrong doofus at the wrong time.
7
In other words it's the perfect example of the Peter Principle at work or defined.
2
I am shocked -- shocked -- that the Mayor has hired political consultants. And to make matters worse, they tried to get him to go to a benefit for a public library. Will the depravity never end?
2
Someone explain how the Mayor before being sworn-in had a tent downtown where New Yorkers could submit suggestions, ideas, etc. There was a website where the public could submit their resumes. Did anyone get hired from the thousands of resumes or was that a publicity stunt? Or, just consultants were hired.
4
The worst thing is not de Blasio's constant smug, holier than thous hypocrisy, but that these consultants are likely being paid to help with his primary goal, which is not to run the city, but to run for President.
5
Judge your ruling class by what they do or not do and not by what they say or don't say.
4
Like the determined ideologue who makes pretty noises about how getting workers into jobs is his first priority - and then you never hear him refer to it again EVER.
Instead he corrupts the statistics coing out of government agencies to say whatever he thinks sounds cool. We need a quick way to recall all leaders.
Instead he corrupts the statistics coing out of government agencies to say whatever he thinks sounds cool. We need a quick way to recall all leaders.
3
Is anyone surprised by this? DeBlasio is just another example of the intoxicating effect of power. His progressivism stopped before his acceptance speech was over. His background as a campaign operative uniquely prepped him for this. Consultants are his people.
6
De Blasio was a good public advocate he is a terrible mayor and does NOTHING. His recent support of Clinton whose top fundraisers 2016 are private prison corporations and television network news lobbyists proved he is a "yes" man. He actually said he likes Hillary because she has finally leaned left? She has done nothing but adopt and replicate Bernie Sanders platform. De Blasio wont be re-elected.
2
Name one thing that he did good as Public Advocate.
3
Folks, we have had 30 years of a philosophical shift in society that money trumps everything. Some here think deBlasio's the first; he's just the most recent example. Most liberals are really neoliberals who are de facto crony capitalists. Socialism is a dirty word; its the ghost of failed communist states never mind the numerous examples of socialist democracies across Western Europe. De Blasio isn't the first nor he'll be the last. The last true progressives were people like Jimmy Carter et al. Even Ed Koch went rightward in policy.
4
I think we should do away with all non-profits. There is not much difference in for profit and non-profit corporations. They operate on the same principle.....gaining influence for profit. I don't see any reporting on how many non-profits are set up and how much taxes the US are losing because of them.
I think politicians are all hypocrites. Look at Hillary Clinton, they set-up multiple non-profits so they can donate the majority of their income to avoid paying taxes.Then she deduct all expenses remotely associated with her foundation.
Hypocrites!!
I think politicians are all hypocrites. Look at Hillary Clinton, they set-up multiple non-profits so they can donate the majority of their income to avoid paying taxes.Then she deduct all expenses remotely associated with her foundation.
Hypocrites!!
3
I think the NYTimes should retire the phrase: Hired Guns. And Straight Shooter. And in fact, all gun-related phrases and analogies. Can't these smart editors and journalists come up with something better? Thanks!!
5
Consistently running late, as this mayor does, suggest self arrogance. Therefore this article does not surprise me in the least. Wake up New Yorkers before that economically vibrant city of yours turns into the cesspool I remember growing up years ago in NJ. Like the increased homeless problem, the lack of police support, then by golly you are in fact on the road to that 70s cesspool.
5
The problem with this mayor is that he is more concerned about advancing the causes of his progressive political agenda rather than promoting and advancing causes that would create a better New York City. He needs to seek outside assistance since he must let those in the mayor's office run the city while he is traveling around the country and the world promoting causes that will give him name recognition when he runs for president of the US. He really has been a failure as mayor. He runs the office of the mayor as though he was still public advocate.
5
No to be politically correct, but "Hired Guns" may not be the most sensitive choiceof words in this violence-ridden society.
2
It is proven once again that today's "progressives' are the new Neoliberals. Use those class divisions to get elected, then go about supporting, rewarding, and taking cash from the same Capitalist class you denounced. At 61, I am fed up and will only vote for a true Socialist NOT running on the Democratic-Corporatist line.
3
The question I have is why create these nonprofits in the first place? Because this type of media consulting cannot be done within the Mayor's regular staff. It seems to be a very unfortunate but necessary fact of life, especially when at least one daily tabloid has made it their goal to remove him from office.
No Democratic PArty official thenks that he or she should ever be judged on their results or oprnly criticized. That Good intentions feeling was supposed to just quiet down all the onlookers who see that the emperor actualy has no clothes.
Were this Washington, DC. and politics on the national level, the corrupted old media barons would be at war with these critics because no lineral preasident can do anything wrong, but that tripe won't work here.
Oyr NYC readers get to feel like Tea Partiers for a couple minutes.
Were this Washington, DC. and politics on the national level, the corrupted old media barons would be at war with these critics because no lineral preasident can do anything wrong, but that tripe won't work here.
Oyr NYC readers get to feel like Tea Partiers for a couple minutes.
2
Well this is the quality you get (and deserve) when the only criteria for voting for a particular candidate is that they have a 'D' (or an 'R' in some areas far, far from NYC) after their name. DeBlasio was never qualified to be mayor to begin with but the few who even bothered to vote would consider no one else. Too bad.
14
Totally agree George - it is about time Americans and New Yorkers become loyal to their country/slash city and not to a party.
4
Let's hope that this mayor whose attitude and activities provide an.opening into a new world of entitlements for the elected is confined to one term. He anwers to no one.
11
Just like our comptroller Stringer is having his wife chauffeured to work on the public's dime. These people are all hypocrites.
14
Stringer has the audacity to audit City Bike. He needs to get on one.
2
I think many of us anticipated good things from this Mayor, after 12 years of Bloomberg who made New York the billionaire capital of the world and tax haven for the unidentified LLC. Now we have safe deposit boxes in the sky. But at least Bloomberg was transparent about who he was. Mayor de Blasio came in and in short order, weakened the Landmarks Law through his appointments, and said to developers who've been filling his war chest, "Build Baby Build" even when they have projects before the city, He is trying to force feed a half-baked, ill-formed "Mandatory Inclusionary Housing" law and "Zoning for Quality and Affordability" as a gift to developers to have a field day with our contextually zoned and historic districts. He's given REBNY the keys to the kingdom, under the guise that he is building low income housing. More buildings will be demolished with rent controlled and rent stabilized units than will be built. I wouldn't bet that this housing will be replaced. I think most who've heard the plan understand it for what it is. But look out, cause its coming to your neighborhood soon, and you can look forward to construction 20-30% higher than what you now call a neighborhood. Whether it be already so densely occupied that the infrastructure cannot keep up with the demands right now. What a huge disappointment from this so called Progressive Mayor who cannot even keep himself out of the pockets of big money, especially real estate for even one term.
24
The Bloombergs and Trumps can label crooked big money offers for what they are, but our ignorant waifs who have hidden inside a cozy liberalism for their entire lives like deBlasio and Obama get some large sums flashed in front of their eyes and they simply fall over in a swoon, no more capable of realizing that they are being played - like the green energy giveaway bazaar in 2009 - and being taken to the cleaners.
7
De Blasio seems like a good guy, unfortunately being a good guy doesn't make you a good mayor. He is very much in over his head, and it's becoming clear that the city needs a competent administrator not an ideologue interested in traveling the country. As much as everyone criticized Bloomberg, he managed the city well and kept it running efficiently. Not the same can be said for de Blasio.
14
Bloomberg and Giuliani also relied on paid consultants, as does nearly every Republican and Democrat in office. If this is what counts for a scandal, then they don't make them like they used to. (Or still do, in places like Albany and Trenton.)
5
Look, the only thing this mayor ever accomplished before winning his current office is to get his wife a high-paying job at Maimonides Hospital, by virtue of the other monies he could procure for that institution.
Enough said?
Enough said?
15
It's perfectly legitimate and desirable for the Times to delve into the doings at City Hall in this way; I always used to wonder why the paper never looked into the inner workings of the Bloomberg administration in this way. Bloomberg was the recipient of kid-glove treatment from the Times; apparently they regarded him as above suspicion. It would have been interesting to know how often he met with, say, the Partnership for New York City—the lobbyist for the municipal oligarchy—and the sort of influence they exercised on policy. (Note that this article makes no attempt to compare Bloomberg and de Blasio on the shadow-cabinet issue.))
6
This plays for me much like the Times' other stories about the mayor: a veiled attack with more impression than meaningful ammunition at its heart. The assertions and the evidence offered in their support seem thin to vaporous and focused more on appearances than any actual wrongdoing.
Have other NYC mayors used private consultants? Has the mayor done anything worse here than appear to contradict himself on their use? (And shouldn't he have had the opportunity to discuss this for this story? Perhaps he doesn't see Campaign as "shadowy." It's a question worth asking.)
Without better context, the messages your reporter obtained don't add much to the story. I can't tell here what's meaningful and what's simply a blow-off.
In the end, I found myself asking mainly "which Times editor had his cat run over by the mayor's limo."
Have other NYC mayors used private consultants? Has the mayor done anything worse here than appear to contradict himself on their use? (And shouldn't he have had the opportunity to discuss this for this story? Perhaps he doesn't see Campaign as "shadowy." It's a question worth asking.)
Without better context, the messages your reporter obtained don't add much to the story. I can't tell here what's meaningful and what's simply a blow-off.
In the end, I found myself asking mainly "which Times editor had his cat run over by the mayor's limo."
8
When it come to selling NYC libraries and shrinking them for real estate deals like the Brooklyn Heights central destination library in downtown Brooklyn the sale of which BerlinRosen has been hired to promote, and which was approved by de Blasio's appointed City Planning Commissioners Monday, de Blasio spoke against it as a candidate saying: "It’s public land and public facilities and public value under threat. . . and once again we see, lurking right behind the curtain, real estate developers who are very anxious to get their hands on these valuable properties”-
RIGHT AFTER he was taking money from the development team for the project while their application for this handout shortchanging the public was pending!
See: Saturday, June 6, 2015
WNYC Reports Mayor de Blasio’s “Furiously Raising Funds”- Including From Developers “Lurking Behind The Curtain” of Library Real Estate Sales- And WNYC’s Money?
http://noticingnewyork.blogspot.com/2015/06/wnyc-reports-mayor-de-blasio...
RIGHT AFTER he was taking money from the development team for the project while their application for this handout shortchanging the public was pending!
See: Saturday, June 6, 2015
WNYC Reports Mayor de Blasio’s “Furiously Raising Funds”- Including From Developers “Lurking Behind The Curtain” of Library Real Estate Sales- And WNYC’s Money?
http://noticingnewyork.blogspot.com/2015/06/wnyc-reports-mayor-de-blasio...
7
Is this a "hatchet" job as some have alleged? Has he broken his campaign promise to disassociate with lobbyist groups? Actually - based on this article de Blasio appears fairly "clean." So his consultants have business and political clients - not once at least in this article has Kaplan related a single instance of untoward financial or irresponsible influence peddling with the mayor.
Instead the few "interests" which have met with the mayor have - at least again from here - not discussed any specific developments; or made any plea for favored business treatment. To be fully honest, however, the mayor should return the political contributions from the teachers union - if there is one entity which for the best benefit of the city's students should be held at arm's length - in fact adversarial length - it's the teachers union. No good can come from getting cozy up with them.
Instead the few "interests" which have met with the mayor have - at least again from here - not discussed any specific developments; or made any plea for favored business treatment. To be fully honest, however, the mayor should return the political contributions from the teachers union - if there is one entity which for the best benefit of the city's students should be held at arm's length - in fact adversarial length - it's the teachers union. No good can come from getting cozy up with them.
1
Bloomberg put de Blasio at a relative disadvantage; not because he was a great Mayor, but because he already gave away all the prime goodies to his cocktail party pals, leaving the current Mayor empty handed.
Because of rezoning, the entire North Willaimsburg/Greenpoint waterfront, about a mile, is soon to be a seamless wall of high-rise luxury apartment buildings, with the entire process cloaked in secrecy, and with nary a thought of the current residents. Thanks Bloomie!
Because of rezoning, the entire North Willaimsburg/Greenpoint waterfront, about a mile, is soon to be a seamless wall of high-rise luxury apartment buildings, with the entire process cloaked in secrecy, and with nary a thought of the current residents. Thanks Bloomie!
10
There has been much talk and posturing by the mayor about his next role and I cannot think of a better position for Mr. de Blasio than as a "Consultant". This way, he can continue to add no value and participate in practices mired in conflicts of interest, but hopefully his mismanagement will be paid for by dumb clients other than city taxpayers.
I would be delighted to write any recommendation letters or references that he will need to attain such a position which should be an excellent fit for him.
I would be delighted to write any recommendation letters or references that he will need to attain such a position which should be an excellent fit for him.
9
Having cast my anti-Lhota vote for DeBlasio and would do so again, the reality is that the epic resurgence of gun violence is going to put him out of office in a short two years. I wonder if the consultants are trying to figure out a way for him to soft pedal bringing back stop search and frisk. If he doesn't, the next mayor will. And even the NYT endorsed Bloomberg's second term with a special shout out to Ray Kelly's crime reducing tactics. Reality bites, and it bites hard.
5
deBlasio - he majors in minors, lacks common sense and an intellectual grasp of management. Perhaps in the bottom five of NY's worst mayors ever.
13
Surprised neither the article nor any of the other comments here mentioned the (apparently aborted) carriage horse ban. A cheap political stunt if there ever was one, and a textbook example of "pay to play."
16
Worst. Mayor. Ever.
16
You forgot Dinkins.
2
Huh...Dinkins? The man who put in place the "Safe Streets" initiative with Ray Kelly...THAT was responsible for the massive decrease we all enjoyed during the Giuliani years. Rudy may have taken all the credit, but it was Dinkins & Kelly who had the foresight and funded the program, which was beginning to yield tangible results before Rudy stepped in to ride its coat tails to take credit.
1
Sheer hypocrisy. As my grandfather used to say, "It stinks from the head."
10
At least the republicans admit that they're beholden to business interests, instead of being complete liars like so many populists. I just hope Sanders is different ... hope ... we've heard that before.
9
The voters got what they deserved. This mayoralty has been a real sad drama... One that does not need a sequel!!
8
Move on. Nothing to see here.
Nothing like a progressive with his hand in the municipal till.
Nothing like a progressive with his hand in the municipal till.
8
At least deBlasio is tough on crime!
.....oh, wait
.....oh, wait
17
Follow the money.....
13
This doesn't look good for the mayor, and it's great reporting by the NYT.
17
It's stories like this that have led me to distrust all politicians. You can't believe anything any of them tell you.
5
Apparently, these people aren't very good at what they do. Which must be why they make so much money.
7
How disgusting that the mayor is being influenced to do favor for special interest groups like the homeless who don't even pay taxes. This is why governance should be left to GOP-Koch, LLC.
1
Actually the special interest groups are only interested in the money. The homeless can go hang. But hey progressives talk a good game but when they get in office they steal with both hands.
6
Right because the unions and real estate developers and lawyers are all SO worried about the homeless as opposed to their own self-interests. Thanks for clarifying that for us.
2
slightly OT:
Guns is a lousy word to use in this headline. Too many of them about, surely a less stale metaphor would have done.
Guns is a lousy word to use in this headline. Too many of them about, surely a less stale metaphor would have done.
3
This is very off topic... and stupid. But I appreciate how you have determined that you are going to be be offended by some un PC societal violation, and then gone out and done the hard work of finding that offense, however small it might be.
3
The liberal left of NYC, you know who I mean, the one's that think they are the smartest people in the room and will even tell you how smart they are, when in fact they are delusional voted for this man. He has time to meet with his "advisors" and travel out of state and out of the country but can't seem to get his act together. The man is out of his league. Perhaps he should have kept his job as campaign manager and money wrangler. He is the Peter Principle defined and has never held a private job. He had you all conned and this is what you got. Hope you're happy with your choice. Just remember when the next election cycle comes up. Don't say you haven't been warned. But we all know that you'll give him another chance to screw up because you'll all sit at home or vote straight party lines like you all do. How predictable you NY'ers are.
40
Not ALL Liberal Left NYs voted for deBlasio. Those who did vote for him are expressing major regrets.
3
The list of donors is interesting. They look like people and organizations with experience and understanding of how New York City (and State) politics works: 'You want, give.'
14
New Yorkers are getting what they voted for. A hypocritical, lazy political hack who talks a good game but cannot accomplish anything. How many times has de Blasio done things he complained about for years when done by others? De Blasio has been bought and paid for by consultants and special interest groups, while the average New Yorker is suffering with a City that keeps slipping backwards. Crime is up, homelessness is up and educational achievement is down, while de Blasio travels around the country. I just hope the New York City voters get rid of this loser in two years.
66
So much for deBlasio fighting for the Middle Class. He is not even running NYC. At least he is smart enough to let other people do the work for him.
3
Wow what a disappointment this guy has been on nearly every level. To merely characterize his mayoralty as "more of the same", as this article clearly intends, diminishes his epic fail. Also clear that the cops have simply quit on him realizing there's no support and/or structure coming from City hall. Who can blame them? In addition, his "worldview" approach indicates (I guess) he apparently has larger aspirations. Makes reason stare in wonder at just what those aspirations may be; it'd be a close race between him and "none of the above" for dogcatcher!
41
As a "once" New Yorker, this is beyond sad and corrupt. But, yes, New York voted for him, he had no competition, his "picture" of an inclusive family, even, was all consuming to the population of the city. Now, one has to wonder if the "Clinton machine" even got to him to endorse her! Surely, there were favors there! What a tragic loss of Bloomberg who made New York so great. This man is a joke and an embarrassment to a city that thrives on greatness.
29
Bloomberg didn't make NY great Susan, he made it a playground for his rich make that very rich developer friends. These people who have taken over the city with their phallic skyscrapers are the ones who made out during Bloomberg's tenure. The working class were left to fend for themselves all the while Bloomberg was policing what we ate, how much we ate and the like. Bloomberg was not a "great mayor" not by a long shot.
7
This is a ha chet jpb and adding to the negative auta creates by corporate media. The only thing Rosen gets out of the Mayor is speaking engagements at organizations the Mayor supports. As for Airnb, the mayor opposes the program.
Where wàs the times when Bloomberg used his donaations as leverage to support his mayoral bids? Or his buying elections for 3 terms?
Where wàs the times when Bloomberg used his donaations as leverage to support his mayoral bids? Or his buying elections for 3 terms?
8
And I always wonder who trains the consultants! We might as well train them better so that they can focus on what " We the people" want.
2
Thanks for shining the light on what is a blatantly open invitation to buy public influence.
An equally interesting part of the story is what the city gets in return. In 50 years of my own life, I have never seen the amount of real estate development that's been occurring these last few years. If there's a quid pro quo, why is the Mayor's team so quiet of what the poor taxpayers receive in kind?
I'm betting the sequel to this story is the real story.
An equally interesting part of the story is what the city gets in return. In 50 years of my own life, I have never seen the amount of real estate development that's been occurring these last few years. If there's a quid pro quo, why is the Mayor's team so quiet of what the poor taxpayers receive in kind?
I'm betting the sequel to this story is the real story.
9
The development was in place during Bloomie's tenure, they were the one's who benefited from his wheeling and dealing. The developers made out like bandits while Bloomie sold the city out. The ineptitude by de Blasio is all on him. He never should have been elected. He is in a word incompetent.
7
I am a lifelong New Yorker, and I have seen Giuliani and Bloomberg turn this city into an unlivable playground for the rich. As far as I'm concerned, de Blasio can hire all the consultants he wants. My kid is attending free Pre K thanks to him. That's the first positive impact an NYC mayor has had on my life. And I'm a full time professional (I can't even imagine what things are like for the working poor here)! A city that is unaffordable for the middle class is a sick city. At least de Blasio has one big, positive accomplishment under his belt.
29
Your Pre-K isn't "free". It's being paid for by others' hard earned dollars. Rather sad that you support politicians based on how many freebies they give you.
22
Positive impact? You must be kidding!
10
Adam where do you live UWS? There is no such thing as a free lunch, not sure what world you live in but somebody is paying for your kid to go to pre K it isn't you but it's somebody. Where do you think that money comes from? Does it grow in trees? Please face reality before posting or do a little research first it isn't difficult.
6
Authenticity is a virtue that de Blasio does not possess and this article makes it clear why this is the case. He believes, as most ethically challenged politicians do, that the end always justifies the means. His Machiavellian tactics reflect a serious character deficit that consultants can cover up, but not fix.
73
This is just another way in which the Democratic party just mirrors the Republicans. Regardless of the intention, when the messenger is corrupted the message is lost. We are way overdue for a reboot of how we approach politics and donations. #FeelTheBern
22
Sorry you can't pin the blame of the repubs for this. The democrats are just as ethically challenged as the rest of them. They have perfected the art, look to see who has left Albany in disgrace, the majority are democrats. The progs always think they can blame somebody else for their own misdeeds, grow up and accept responsibility for once.
9
Read more carefully. There was no blame to the republicans. Me think though doth protest too much.
I'd say given that there are more democrats than republicans in statewide offices, the numbers are pretty proportional.
1
He talks conviction but utterly lacks it ... a not so bright man, who's at the whim of his advisors, in a position of prominence and importance, and without the true ability to lead and administer well. His waiting to endorse Hillary until she seemed the true Democratic runner is a reflection of his character, a poser who's ambitions outshine his abilities.
50
No surprise. Left wing-limousine liberal democrats. No greater hypocrites have ever walked the earth. BTW, what investment bank you think his kid will be working for on summer break?
50
"No greater hypocrites..." PLEASE SPARE US. So, all those Family Values Republicans who later got caught in sleazy secret lives are upstanding citizens to you? Or did you forget? People in glass houses......
5
I am sure that consultants know that perception is reality, de Blasio is seen as out of touch with NYC and spending too much time on global issues. The local report on the drop in crime was followed was followed by reports of shootings, stabbings and attempted rapes.
I wish de Blasio would come into the local neighborhoods and see the condition of the roads. I drove on Hook Creek and Brookville Boulevards recently and thought I was in a third world country. Were the funds for street repairs diverted to the new pre K program?
I wish de Blasio would come into the local neighborhoods and see the condition of the roads. I drove on Hook Creek and Brookville Boulevards recently and thought I was in a third world country. Were the funds for street repairs diverted to the new pre K program?
13
For an elected official with such promise making amateurish mistakes again and again, getting some expert advice seems like a good idea.
6
We could have had Christine Quinn or Bill Thompson, two very capable people. People stayed home on election day and we got what we deserved, a political hack who has never had a real job.
84
"Christine Quinn or Bill Thompson, two very capable people"?
Quinn was a throwback to the sort of back-room wheeling-and-dealing that gave city government a bad name! Not to mention being totally in bed with the "developers," to whom she happily sold out middle-income NYers!
Not to mention all the corrupt "lu-lus" to reward council-people who went along with her/punish those who dared to resist!
And of course the "small" matter of enabling Emperor Bloomberg's end-around to skirt the term-limits law!
Stop trying to rehabilitate the likes of her!
Sounds suspiciously like some per-election PR in disguise too!
Quinn was a throwback to the sort of back-room wheeling-and-dealing that gave city government a bad name! Not to mention being totally in bed with the "developers," to whom she happily sold out middle-income NYers!
Not to mention all the corrupt "lu-lus" to reward council-people who went along with her/punish those who dared to resist!
And of course the "small" matter of enabling Emperor Bloomberg's end-around to skirt the term-limits law!
Stop trying to rehabilitate the likes of her!
Sounds suspiciously like some per-election PR in disguise too!
11
Do not forget that DeBlasio used lies to push Quinn aside, saying that she was "too close" to Bloomberg. We never got a chance to vote for her, important to recall what was done behind the scenes to destroy her frontrunner status for City Hall's top job. Also important to note that Gov Cuomo has reached out to her, so hopefully she will re-emerge on the campaign trail in the next election. Come back Christine, we WANT to vote for you!
3
Adolfo Carrion was better than either... But dice he ran as an Independent - he got no traction. People deserve this for voting party and not capability.
DeBlasio is a clown. an amateur at best who spends big donor money on consultants due to his lack of experience and knowledge. hope the left is happy with their social experiment! 2 years to go until he is gone!
58
It's going to be a long two years.
3
I cannot help feeling that we the voters bear responsibility - in part. An elected official has a duty to communicate policies and convince voters of the righteousness of such. Doing so is not a simple job. A politicians foes aim at discrediting him/her. So we voters get bombarded by the sound bites upon which we form our opinion. I suppose PR consultants are experts in creating these sound bites and the messaging. A politician that fails doing this correctly is on his/her way out of the job because of us the voters. I have no solution to this problem - certainly the laws allowing the contribution (tax free) are in part responsible.
5
"Hired Guns"?
Funny, I don't seem to remember language like that used in articles about Bloomberg! Who merely spend many millions of dollars on endless PR, campaign ads (about schools, for one, even when he wasn't running for anything himself), and salaries of his cadre of hangers-on!
Funny, I don't seem to remember language like that used in articles about Bloomberg! Who merely spend many millions of dollars on endless PR, campaign ads (about schools, for one, even when he wasn't running for anything himself), and salaries of his cadre of hangers-on!
21
Bloomberg worked for a dollar a year and could not be corrupted by the donations of special interests like unions and the NY real estate industry. Bloomberg championed charter schools as a way to reduce inequality. Di Blasio talks about a tale of two cities yet employs tactics to reduce charter schools, while his son attends one of the city's best schools. Watch what he does not what he says.
7
That's because the Times is a right-wing mouthpiece. Everyone knows that.
1
Actually there was a lot of hay made out of Bloomberg's cozy relationships with private interests, lobbyists, and developers. But the key difference is that Bloomberg rarely dissembled about his pro-development and privatization agenda. DeBlasio, on the other hand, has consistently represented himself as a Progressive man-of-the-people who shuns consultants and the spin-doctoring apparatus of modern politics.
Of course, this image was crafted for him by the very multimillion-dollar consultants he pretends to disdain. This is New York political hypocrisy at its most sophisticated, and it calls his entire modus operandi into question.
Of course, this image was crafted for him by the very multimillion-dollar consultants he pretends to disdain. This is New York political hypocrisy at its most sophisticated, and it calls his entire modus operandi into question.
9
We live in such a fine democracy. If a citizen sees a problem with something about our laws or society, they can just go out, organize with their neighbors and get things changed, right? As long as your neighbor happens to be George Soros or Paul Singer.
12
Wow...is this what passes for scandalous behavior these days? The First Lady helps raise money to support a job training program for homeless women? Am I missing something here?
It seems like Jonathan Rosen helped win additional slots for pre-K students and homeless women get much-needed job training. If that's the biggest problem the deBlasio administration has, it sounds like it's doing a whole lot better than its predecessor -- Mike Bloomberg -- who used his vast wealth to insulate himself from the hardships faced by many New Yorkers.
It seems like Jonathan Rosen helped win additional slots for pre-K students and homeless women get much-needed job training. If that's the biggest problem the deBlasio administration has, it sounds like it's doing a whole lot better than its predecessor -- Mike Bloomberg -- who used his vast wealth to insulate himself from the hardships faced by many New Yorkers.
15
Ummm - Bloomberg donated more out of his own money for causes helping the underprivileged than this mayors wife will raise on 2 lifetimes. Probably 4 lifetimes... And that's if Bloomberg stopped giving today. Besides if two money we taxpayers are paying her staff was used for those things - she wouldn't have to even raise money
1
Homelessness under Bloomberg rose from 25,000 people a night to 60,000. There is no amount of private money he could give to undo the unprecedented amount of suffering he created. That's why private groups like coalition for the homeless need to raise more money to provide services to the record number of people made homeless thanks to Mike Bloomberg.
3
Just the Times's daily front-page de Blasio bashing. A suggestion of impropriety w/o ANYTHING to back it up.
7
It's always the politicians championing transparency and reform that turn out to be the most corrupt (see. de Blasio, Bill). The belief in the "goodness" of their cause blinds them to corruption they create and tolerate to achieve their "noble" goals.
5
Mayor de Blasio's hypocrisy is only exceeded by his nepotism. He is guiding NYC back to the 1970's
27
Tired of all the anti-Blasio NYTimes stories. And this one is a real non-story given all the serious issues the City faces.
10
He needs to clean house. Start with Emma Wolf and her girlfriend. Then you have the Deputy Mayors Chief of Staff who's only experience was working for him as pubic advocate and working on the John Edwards campaign. This is why the Mayor needs all these consultants since his staff lack skills, expertise and management skills.
10
NYT: you wanted him, now you got him.
41
Mayor de Blasio the typical "operative" megalomania- a treatable disease- politician. Look what is taking place in Albany- and ask where the fine line gets crossed? Did anyone think this administration would not play the Albany political game? The spotlight put on de Blasio with this article shows his true colors. I am the middle 98% NYC resident who is suffering because of his political agenda- We had 12 years of management which ran NYC as a business- doing the best for all- we were spoiled- I hope the 80% who did not vote will be out in force to eliminate any chance of a second term for this "operative"
21
This is so sleazy. I think Mayor De Blasio is as dumb as he is tall and a terrible manager but I never questioned his sincerity until now. This is even worse than the Super Pacs destroying our democracy at the federal level. At least with Super Pacs the politician can theoretically ignore donors once elected (though obviously this is not true). What De Blasio has going is a Super Pac with follow thru. The Koch brothers are probably saying why didn't we think of this.
De Blasio will be ousted by whopping numbers just as he was elected in a landslide.
De Blasio will be ousted by whopping numbers just as he was elected in a landslide.
13
Don't be too sure, the low information voters handed this man a victory they will not disappoint. They will hand him another term.
2
Since the textbook definition of politician is being a professional liar why would this surprise anyone?
5
Bought and paid for. Once again this shows that De Blasio doesn't care about what's best for average New Yorkers, only special interests.
20
Sounds a lot like Cuomo's Committee to Save New York. But these folks are not as skilled at concealing their graft. One would think that a person who earns their living in lobbying and public relations would know better than to expose his conflicts of interest in FOIL-able emails.
Anyhow, too much attention to "messaging" about inequality and not enough to improving the quality of life for ordinary citizens of NYC will sink this administration in the end. Crime, schools, transit, jobs, sanitation, parks -- that's what citizens care about. Do we really need a Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, much less one with $150,000/yr. jobs? NYers are liberal but most are very hardworking and do not consider themselves among the ranks of the "disenfranchised," who this mayor identifies as his primary constituency. The message is expensive and it is failing.
Anyhow, too much attention to "messaging" about inequality and not enough to improving the quality of life for ordinary citizens of NYC will sink this administration in the end. Crime, schools, transit, jobs, sanitation, parks -- that's what citizens care about. Do we really need a Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, much less one with $150,000/yr. jobs? NYers are liberal but most are very hardworking and do not consider themselves among the ranks of the "disenfranchised," who this mayor identifies as his primary constituency. The message is expensive and it is failing.
18
This story encapsulates everything that's wrong with deblasio. He has brought a new level of arrogance to nyc politics, admonishing his detractors whenever they hold him to account. For a man who professes progressive ideals he rules as an autocrat. At this point is anyone surprised at the contents of this story? <br/><br/> The one question I have is why are advocates for the homeless meeting at the Hotel Pierre? Do-gooderism has become a quite lucrative industry!
55
Has time to meet with the consultants roughly 60 times in approximately 17 months, or on average 3 meetings per month, but can't find that much time for the person overseeing homeless services? Explains a lot.
50
GREAT PICTURE... People sitting and standing who have no idea of what to do to help people (and don't care), listening to someone who doesn't have a clue... all because of a public that does not get actively involved in the governance of their state/country. Keep people like this OUT of leadership positions, and replace them with REAL leaders. If you don't fight for your state/country, you are going to lose it to people like this, which means YOUR problems (as well as our state/country's problems) are going to keep getting worse. These are people who seriously believe their "job" is to get elected/re-elected to further THEIR careers, NOT take care of the people. "Money" allows them to be in office, only because YOU allow it. YOU have the power to stop it simply by caring and getting actively involved. Don't let these people choose who YOU have to choose from for ANY election. Put down your "gadgets" and talk to each other. Get out and find people who are REAL leaders, and have PROVEN so by on-the-the-ground RESULTS (not by mind-numbing, money-paid, repetitive propaganda), and choose from amongst THEM. YOU are being treated like "mindless" robots, and do NOTHING about it but talk - if that. We haven't had a REAL leader in politics in this country for so long I am not sure you even know what a REAL leader is, nor the power and influence a REAL leader wields even to the seemingly smallest of details. Take control over your country - find and elect REAL leaders.
5
My father had a word for politicians like DeBlasio...phony!
He rails against corporate power and the selling of public assets for private gains, but, when push comes to shove he gives the developers everything they want including spot zoning, hundreds of millions of $$$$ in free money and "air rights" without any concern about the impact on city services or the quality of life in NYC neighborhoods. His ZQA and MIH zoning text amendments are prime examples of claiming he is doing everything he can to crest affordable housing while really giving developers everything they want. What a guy!
He rails against corporate power and the selling of public assets for private gains, but, when push comes to shove he gives the developers everything they want including spot zoning, hundreds of millions of $$$$ in free money and "air rights" without any concern about the impact on city services or the quality of life in NYC neighborhoods. His ZQA and MIH zoning text amendments are prime examples of claiming he is doing everything he can to crest affordable housing while really giving developers everything they want. What a guy!
19
It is the same old story. Follow the money and it takes you back to who is really calling the tune.
4
de Blasio is no different than most far left liberals. He tells people how to act, then does the complete opposite in his own life. Giving speeches pontificating about the evils of capitalism and wealth disparities in America are trumped by the revelations of this article. The mayor is no better than the rich fat cats he is always moaning about. Hypocrisy in action.
11
For someone who has staffed up to the level he has, it's pretty sad how ineffectual he has been at basic "blocking and tackling" in his communications and policy efforts. Once a hack, always a hack.
7
Typical hypocrite politician. Please tell me something new.
1
What a great way to avoid conflict of interests! A city employee would have to state who are their other clients but consultants not paid by the city don't have that worry. This is the best work that Mayor Di Blasio has done since getting elected. Now he has a shadow government that refuses to tell who their clients are. The Mayor hates charter schools, well look who's funding his non-profit, the teacher's union. That's just one that we know of. Government run not by the people but by the special interests. Business as usual.
4
seems to me that bdb is more focused on raising his national profile -- and getting a juicy appointment in a presumed clinton administration -- than actually serving as mayor.
12
"Breaking: Pol says one thing, does another"
I always laugh when folks think that one party is all that different than the other. Wake up people!
I always laugh when folks think that one party is all that different than the other. Wake up people!
7
Hmmm..."consultants". Unions and real estate interests forking over millions to bolster the mayor's ego about being a rising national political star all the while expecting the traditional quid pro quo on contracts, deals, access, etc.. It doesn't sound as if deBlasio is quite the breath of fresh air he pretends to be. Pretty disgusting.
10
Another neoliberal politician masquerading as a progressive. If I have anything to thank president Obama for is helping me see de Blasio coming a mile away.
Wall Street would never allow a progressive to become the mayor of New York City.
Wall Street would never allow a progressive to become the mayor of New York City.
4
What a difference between Michael Bloomberg and his successor. No wonder Di Blasio is against charter schools. $350,000 from the teacher's union . Now we know that progressive means pay to play. Hopefully the U.S. attorney will keep a close eye on the administration' s unsavory deals. Stay tuned. W here there is smoke there is fire and this smoke is heavy.
7
Ms. Hinton said the group “does not engage in politics” but “exists solely to advance the administration’s agenda,”
She said this without laughing? They mayor is a politician, the administrations agenda is political, and the non-profit is obviously engaged in politics.
She said this without laughing? They mayor is a politician, the administrations agenda is political, and the non-profit is obviously engaged in politics.
8
Nothing new here, just a typical politician engaging in dishonesty, which is there stock and trade. It is always about pay to play. The idea that The Times would even notice tells you its a slow news day.
2
In twenty years I have never seen this city so putrid – it is filthy - emerging markets cities are cleaner than this.
It is demoralizing and depressing…Ever since this man has taken office we have seen our living standards drop day by day: we are less safe with gun crime on the rise, the homeless problem is completely out of hand, we see city bus drivers running red lights all the time (if you are part of a union you are good to go), and noise complaints go unresolved!
Please vote for a person who can actually run the city and not just talk about it. This mayor is incompetence personified, and the big joke is his consultants must be just as inept.
It is demoralizing and depressing…Ever since this man has taken office we have seen our living standards drop day by day: we are less safe with gun crime on the rise, the homeless problem is completely out of hand, we see city bus drivers running red lights all the time (if you are part of a union you are good to go), and noise complaints go unresolved!
Please vote for a person who can actually run the city and not just talk about it. This mayor is incompetence personified, and the big joke is his consultants must be just as inept.
11
Like all fashion trends, the Urban Decay Chic is making a comeback. Thank you Mr. deBlasio. I always preferred my subway stations to smell like urine. It gives it a special sumthin-sumthin, don't you think?
1
Apparently the Times forgot to report that Bloomberg's social calendar routinely included large financial interests which wanted something from the City, and just as routinely got it.<br/><br/>You know, everything from publicly subsidized sports stadiums for never built "affordable housing" to selling off the Donnell library for less than what a condo in the new building will cost.<br/><br/>By all means, dig up the dirt. But the Times would appear to have a double standard, when the mayor isn't one of it's own, and it's not sitting at the dinner table.
33
Ummm - there was no "dirt" on the stadium deals. In fact the teams got a harder bargain out of Bloomberg than most mayors. At least the teams are paying the bonds back.
The only real blemish on the former mayor was the City Time boondoggle. If that's the main thing after 12 years - that's a stellar record.
Oh and in case you are new here - the Times endorsed Deblasio and are competitors of Bloombergs media company. Good try though.
The only real blemish on the former mayor was the City Time boondoggle. If that's the main thing after 12 years - that's a stellar record.
Oh and in case you are new here - the Times endorsed Deblasio and are competitors of Bloombergs media company. Good try though.
I believe the point was that deBlasio is a hypocrite. I don't recall Bloomberg making a big deal of what a reformer man of the people transparent administration blah blah blah he is. And Bloomberg never promised to get rid of the horses either.
1
This Mayor has no vision to improve the lives of middle class<br/>New Yorkers and his use of consultants tied to real estate<br/>developers and big business is no surprise. The city is being<br/>colonized by global capital flight resulting in rising rents and<br/>prohibitive housing costs for many. How can anyone who<br/>has never had a real job, met a payroll or started a business<br/>connect the dots that are wrecking ordinary New Yorker's lives.
31
EXCELLENT comment.
2
Bill de Blasio has "led" New York City with singular incompetence. And he has proved himself to be a quintessential politician, who blows as the winds blow. Hot and cold. Pro and con on many of the same issues. It comes as no great surprise since the credentials that he brings to the task are less than impressive. But the Times' excellent investigative journalism now reveals, by implication, that the Mayor has little confidence in his own administration, whose members he appointed. Another example of poor leadership. Whenever a public servant relies on the private sector for too much, and uses the funds of other people and organizations to do so, the potential for conflicts of interest--and worse--exists. Let's hope the Times keeps on this one.
9
I am still waiting for some leadership on the whole desnusdas thing.
I mean, seriously.
Do you think Rudy or Mike Bloomberg would have let that go this far?
I mean COME ON.
I can't take my kids to Times Square--what the heck!
I mean, seriously.
Do you think Rudy or Mike Bloomberg would have let that go this far?
I mean COME ON.
I can't take my kids to Times Square--what the heck!
5
This is the reason I do not give donations to political organizations. My money would be going to these consultants to polish an elected official into something, they are not (although they probably need it to be elected or go onto higher office). As well, this shows me again that Mr DeBlasio is no mayor. Just a puppeteer with no will of his own. It's as I thought and I will duly remember this on the next mayoral election for the City of New York
29
Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.
43
At least the 'old boss' was actually able to properly run/manage this city.
This 'new boss' is incompetence personified.
This 'new boss' is incompetence personified.
32
The Old Boss didn't have to engage in any of this poor behavior.
3
Old Boss has money. Used his own money to run NYC and paid for his own trips and security details.
New Bosses uses other people's money. Private donors' s money to buy intelligence. Taxpayers' money for family vacations in Italy and other "business" related trips.
New Bosses uses other people's money. Private donors' s money to buy intelligence. Taxpayers' money for family vacations in Italy and other "business" related trips.
1
Based on his dismal performance as mayor, he is definitely not getting his money's worth out of these consultants.
106
Actually, the Mayor is doing well and the city is in fine shape under his stewardship. Some people just miss the days of having an oligarch in charge.
9
I live in the City, and I can tell you that the City is not in "fine shape" at all. Infrastructure is crumbling, crime is perceived widely as being up, the visible homeless population has grown by leaps and bounds, and the middle class feels like we are being squeezed to our last penny to fund deteriorating services. DeBlasio has successfully angered the governor, many public sector workers, and a majority of City residents during his tenure so far. And his "vision zero" has not reduced auto injuries/fatalities one bit, while it has led to an increase in camera surveillance and -- his real goal -- cheap and easy ticket revenue.
At least the oligarch paid attention to the factors that kept New Yorkers in security and peace of mind.
At least the oligarch paid attention to the factors that kept New Yorkers in security and peace of mind.
12
Simon his "approval" rating is at 39%, nothing gloat about. He is the Peter Principle defined.
2
I guess this is one example of "do what I say, not what I do."
37
Surprise!!!!
If he were a republican this story would follow him to the grave. Let's see what happens.
If he were a republican this story would follow him to the grave. Let's see what happens.
41