"Until the 1950s and 1960s, ... black New Yorkers had hardly any political advocates." Except for Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., who served in Congress from 1945-1971... Does anyone over forty work in editorial or fact-checking at the Magazine anymore?
3
Chirlane McCray worked for David Dinkins ~ the second worst mayor of NYC. Need we say more. And, by the way, don't disparage the Zuber wallpaper. Not only is it historically accurate, but it was paid for by Bloomberg out of his own pocket and it isn't cheap! Let us not forget that Bloomberg worked for $1 a year, restored Gracie Mansion with his own money and made this city the safest big city in the world. How fast can these people go away!!
4
This becomes a advocacy piece when unfavorable facts are not mentioned or glossed over. You would think that Al Sharpton was just an aggressive advocate for black issues wearing colorful suits. Not a mention of his controversial statements or involvement in the Tawana Brawley case where he became an outspoken supporter Ms. Brawley who was found to fabricated rape claims against white cops. Since he has not shown any remorse of his shameful conduct, some might question whether he should be an advisor to the mayor.
3
Chirlayne hasn't really done much to endear herself to the people of New York City frankly. She does though appear to be someone who relishes the power her role grants, and giving herself a high paid assistant is simply one example. And then the staff member who had a down right "ghetto" boy friend with a long rap sheet and who also was mouthing off against cops on Twitter.
Lastly, and which I assume was her way of showing derision toward the NYPD, shows up at a cop funeral dressed as if she's just hanging in the city with girl friends. Pants tucked into her boots even. It was a high profile event, but either by cluelessness or a subtle poke at the cops, Chirlayne McCray showed she lacked both class and judgment.
Lastly, and which I assume was her way of showing derision toward the NYPD, shows up at a cop funeral dressed as if she's just hanging in the city with girl friends. Pants tucked into her boots even. It was a high profile event, but either by cluelessness or a subtle poke at the cops, Chirlayne McCray showed she lacked both class and judgment.
3
Wallpaper put up in the 1830's is still there? Amazing durability, or is it a modern copy?
She should not have a chief of staff at 6 figures a year. And I don't see a lot of common sense or real world competence in much of what she says.
Yes most of us want lower taxes, world peace and an end to poverty, crime, homelessness, unemployment, hunger, illness, discrimination and lack of respect and representation. Plato talked about most of these ills in the Republic 2400 years ago. These things have been with us forever and there is no magic wand.
She should take on her favorite projects, ask for private not taxpayer funding for them and try to inch things forward in some meaningful, yet appropriate way for an unelected person. Most people would respect that.
Yes most of us want lower taxes, world peace and an end to poverty, crime, homelessness, unemployment, hunger, illness, discrimination and lack of respect and representation. Plato talked about most of these ills in the Republic 2400 years ago. These things have been with us forever and there is no magic wand.
She should take on her favorite projects, ask for private not taxpayer funding for them and try to inch things forward in some meaningful, yet appropriate way for an unelected person. Most people would respect that.
2
What a puff piece.
Mr. Warren "call me de Blasio" Wilhelm appointed his un-elected and unqualified wife to the post of CEO of the Mayor's Fund for New York City.
He also appointed her as the CEO of the $850M mental health-care jobs program. Where that money came from and what the redundancies with Obama care are surely deserve a few words.
Mrs. McCray has no executive experience. She has no philanthropic or managerial experience. Her last "job" was as a part time speech writer for Dinkins. Prior to that she was a "poet." It's possible that the "poem" that appears in this magazine may be the only thing she's ever actually "published."
An unbiased article about her would discuss her complete lack of qualifications. It ought to discuss Rachel Noerdlinger, the disgraced former "chief of staff" and her other "staff." It would be nice to learn what she gets paid and from whom, and what the size of her budgets, and her staffs are. Her chief makes around $170K - on top of massive tax payer funded budgets for cars, clothes, food, parties, etc.
The story could also mention the Wilhelm's move to a MANSION on the Upper East Side immediately after vilifying the UES in the campaign and his pontificating on "affordable housing." Mr. Wilhelm refers to his mansion "living in public housing."
You could discuss the reported $60,000/year he charges for that tiny, one bathroom, vinyl-sided row house.
Affordable housing? Sure.
Mr. Warren "call me de Blasio" Wilhelm appointed his un-elected and unqualified wife to the post of CEO of the Mayor's Fund for New York City.
He also appointed her as the CEO of the $850M mental health-care jobs program. Where that money came from and what the redundancies with Obama care are surely deserve a few words.
Mrs. McCray has no executive experience. She has no philanthropic or managerial experience. Her last "job" was as a part time speech writer for Dinkins. Prior to that she was a "poet." It's possible that the "poem" that appears in this magazine may be the only thing she's ever actually "published."
An unbiased article about her would discuss her complete lack of qualifications. It ought to discuss Rachel Noerdlinger, the disgraced former "chief of staff" and her other "staff." It would be nice to learn what she gets paid and from whom, and what the size of her budgets, and her staffs are. Her chief makes around $170K - on top of massive tax payer funded budgets for cars, clothes, food, parties, etc.
The story could also mention the Wilhelm's move to a MANSION on the Upper East Side immediately after vilifying the UES in the campaign and his pontificating on "affordable housing." Mr. Wilhelm refers to his mansion "living in public housing."
You could discuss the reported $60,000/year he charges for that tiny, one bathroom, vinyl-sided row house.
Affordable housing? Sure.
14
What an insult the cover title is: The Second Hardest Job in NYC
Oh really? How about the millions of NYers who travel an hour by subway to try to earn a living to raise a family that her husband wants to tax more? NYT Mag, this is a disgrace. She has free housing, driver, assistant, chef, and many other perks from her "position." How dare you insult the truly hard working.
Any comparisons to Michelle Obama are ludicrous. Mrs Obama has used her own intelligence to serve our country. It is racist to compare these two women simply because they are both Black.
Oh really? How about the millions of NYers who travel an hour by subway to try to earn a living to raise a family that her husband wants to tax more? NYT Mag, this is a disgrace. She has free housing, driver, assistant, chef, and many other perks from her "position." How dare you insult the truly hard working.
Any comparisons to Michelle Obama are ludicrous. Mrs Obama has used her own intelligence to serve our country. It is racist to compare these two women simply because they are both Black.
20
You totally hit the nail on the head! DId Bloomberg have a first lady with a staff? No, but somehow, he managed to keep the city humming along. I don't think Michelle Obama would be caught dead with that tax dodging Al Sharpton. This was one of the most revolting stories I have ever read in the NY Times.
3
I find the trend of elected officials spouses being giving more and more authority and resources disturbing. It was a problem when Bill put Hillary in charge of the failed healthcare initiative and is just as big a problem with the wife of the mayor of NYC today. It is not a two for one deal. No one votes for the spouse so why should they have any responsibilities or paid staff beyond a social secretary? Maybe it is time for the spouses to just keep their day jobs.
16
This article is a total whitewash of Chirlaine McCray. It's so obviously adoring with no criticism what so ever. It glossed over the Noerdlinger affair and gave McMcray a bit fat past. The only thing in common with this woman and the gracious, elegant Mrs. Obama is the color of their skin.
I'm appalled that the NY Times published a piece like this.
I'm appalled that the NY Times published a piece like this.
23
Smart, insightful, balanced profile of Chirlane McCray as a woman, a black and a first lady. Last 7-8 paragraphs capture how tough it is to be all three of these plus a wife, mother, citizen, etc. Bravo Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah!
2
Surprise, the incompetent mayor has a spouse unqualified to advance her non-voter approved agenda.
Dumb and dumber??
Dumb and dumber??
17
"Oppression of women?" Enough already.
Let's try a more mature point of view: Life is hard and tricky and has disappointments for most people, and people in general are imperfect and unfair, but the USA and NYC have provided more opportunities and more freedom than any other country or city in the history of mankind. And under Mayors Giuliani and Bloomberg NYC became a model city in the present era.
I loathe Ms. McRay's perspective, and I cannot wait to vote against DeB (with his wife) and their wrong wrong wrong view of the world.
And the NYT continues to exemplify a skewed, even bizarre editorial posture.
Let's try a more mature point of view: Life is hard and tricky and has disappointments for most people, and people in general are imperfect and unfair, but the USA and NYC have provided more opportunities and more freedom than any other country or city in the history of mankind. And under Mayors Giuliani and Bloomberg NYC became a model city in the present era.
I loathe Ms. McRay's perspective, and I cannot wait to vote against DeB (with his wife) and their wrong wrong wrong view of the world.
And the NYT continues to exemplify a skewed, even bizarre editorial posture.
13
Also -
Sharpton. Another reason why I'm voting against DeB in 2017.
Brownsville "held back". By whom? Is there a guy out there with a rope holding back this neighborhood? Is it straining at the reins?
And isn't the description of that good school the very reason to move all my tax money from the mostly disgraceful public schools to charters?
Sharpton. Another reason why I'm voting against DeB in 2017.
Brownsville "held back". By whom? Is there a guy out there with a rope holding back this neighborhood? Is it straining at the reins?
And isn't the description of that good school the very reason to move all my tax money from the mostly disgraceful public schools to charters?
11
Does anyone care about the head long rush for someone who claims to be a liberal and a progressive to grasp at titles for his wife! "first ladyship" what a ridiculous concept. Women are supposed to have their own lives and careers not hang on the coat tails of their husbands. Progressives are supposed to view equality and transparency and yet DeBlasio is secretive and recognizes transparency only in the breach. He has set his wife up with staff and a title which he insists must be used as if he were a king and she the annoited queen.
Enough of this foolishness. I'd rather have some good government.
Enough of this foolishness. I'd rather have some good government.
13
She was not elected. It is nice that she wants to do good things, but the taxpayers should not be paying for any staff for her.
17
The first lady of New York City uses the ridiculous and meaningless expression, "It's, like..."? I hope she will not influence impressionable children with her gibberish.
10
Well ... I made it to the second paragraph.
I stopped after having to know about the Chief being a "young white women" ... what is happening to the NYTs ??
I stopped after having to know about the Chief being a "young white women" ... what is happening to the NYTs ??
22
I agree...that was very odd.
6
Vomit!!! How many thousands of words on this? McCray is a Clinton leftist, who can't demonstrate her own talents without clutching the coattails of her loony husband.. er, "partner". And she should have left The Blah Zero when he did that utterly stupid "slam dance" before his victory speech. New York politics is an absurd cesspool of clichés and moronic issues.
15
No one who has not been elected by the people of New York City should be able to hire an assistant at the taxpayer's expense.
There, that was easy!
There, that was easy!
37
I question the legality of it, in fact.
13
Outrage! Impeach!
3
Chirlane McCray and Michelle Obama have nothing in common in their individual approach to their First Lady titles except the color of their skin. It's an insult to Mrs. Obama - who has been highly effective in the position - to lump them both together.
I voted for Bill de Blasio. I don't regret it, but I wouldn't vote for him again, for various reasons, not least he views the position as a stepping stone to higher office and isn't even slightly interested in day-to-day governing. This article underestimates the clear influence Ms. McCray has on her husband (remember when she used to attend his meeting with police officials? What was that about?).
Finally, Ms. McCray and Mayor de Blasio never really recovered for me after wasting energy in their prolonged defense of Rachel Noerdlinger, Ms. McCray's chief of staff, after learning that she omitted information on her background check about her live-in partner and also did not live in NYC, which was a job requirement. Her partner been convicted of homicide and wrote messages critical of police on social media. Ms. McCray and the mayor ignored that, but finally let Ms. Noerdlinger go after her son was arrested. Her son was arrested again - for alleged manslaughter - last week.
I realize this article was finished before last week, but Ms. McCray's reasoning for keeping her chief of staff for so long should have been addressed in the profile anyway and it wasn't. This profile was much too sympathetic and gauzy for my tastes.
I voted for Bill de Blasio. I don't regret it, but I wouldn't vote for him again, for various reasons, not least he views the position as a stepping stone to higher office and isn't even slightly interested in day-to-day governing. This article underestimates the clear influence Ms. McCray has on her husband (remember when she used to attend his meeting with police officials? What was that about?).
Finally, Ms. McCray and Mayor de Blasio never really recovered for me after wasting energy in their prolonged defense of Rachel Noerdlinger, Ms. McCray's chief of staff, after learning that she omitted information on her background check about her live-in partner and also did not live in NYC, which was a job requirement. Her partner been convicted of homicide and wrote messages critical of police on social media. Ms. McCray and the mayor ignored that, but finally let Ms. Noerdlinger go after her son was arrested. Her son was arrested again - for alleged manslaughter - last week.
I realize this article was finished before last week, but Ms. McCray's reasoning for keeping her chief of staff for so long should have been addressed in the profile anyway and it wasn't. This profile was much too sympathetic and gauzy for my tastes.
53
The inherent racism in the media's questioning of Ms. McCray's hiring an assistant "at 6 figures" (completely normal range)—and the disgruntled public's response as a result—shows how the real foundation for racism is continuously reinforced on a subliminal level on a national level. Although most white people love to say "I'm not racist!" and yet she never had a chance to take a breath before she got pummeled and scorned.
This explains Mrs. O'Bama's extreme discretion and her very low profile for the last 8 years.
I say to everyone who judges so cavalierly, never grasping their own deeply seated racist attitudes which are thinly veiled by defensive liberal palaver, please do not compare your insides to other people's outsides.
And lastly, people who judge don't matter, and people who matter don't judge.
This explains Mrs. O'Bama's extreme discretion and her very low profile for the last 8 years.
I say to everyone who judges so cavalierly, never grasping their own deeply seated racist attitudes which are thinly veiled by defensive liberal palaver, please do not compare your insides to other people's outsides.
And lastly, people who judge don't matter, and people who matter don't judge.
18
"The inherent racism in the media's questioning of Ms. McCray's hiring an assistant "at 6 figures" . . . ."
Except that wives of mayors do not have assistants who do the sort of work that commands six-figure salaries. Please do not cry racism where it isn't.
Indeed, I'm sorry that Mrs. Obama has kept a low profile all these years -- she's an exemplary model for everyone, but particularly for black children, who should feel inspired by her example to work hard and to succeed in school. While some black students get grades for being good kids and not for being good students, no one gave Mrs. Obama anything. She labored long hours for her education.
One doesn't believe that about Ms. McCray. As for her six-figure assistant, that was a pay-back hire.
Except that wives of mayors do not have assistants who do the sort of work that commands six-figure salaries. Please do not cry racism where it isn't.
Indeed, I'm sorry that Mrs. Obama has kept a low profile all these years -- she's an exemplary model for everyone, but particularly for black children, who should feel inspired by her example to work hard and to succeed in school. While some black students get grades for being good kids and not for being good students, no one gave Mrs. Obama anything. She labored long hours for her education.
One doesn't believe that about Ms. McCray. As for her six-figure assistant, that was a pay-back hire.
44
Maxomus:
No.
There is no "inherent racism" in the media's questioning of a six-figure chief of staff for the Mayor's wife.
Nor is there sexism.
Here's the problem: The mayor's spouse (whether male or female, black or white) is not an elected official. She (or he) does not need a "staff", much less a "chief of staff". "Chief of staff for the mayor's wife" is a newly created position, paid for by taxpayers, by someone who is not an elected official and who does not have official duties or responsibilities beyond showing up at events and smiling.
A personal assistant who manages the schedule and helps out with selecting the right dress and shoes? Sure, you can see there might be a reason that taxpayers would fund that. And the salary for a PA is not in the six figures.
But a chief of staff's job is to manage a group of direct reports towards the accomplishment of a goal. That's the issue here: The first lady is not an elected position, she does not need a staff, and taxpayers do not need to be paying for a staff.
Creating such a position smacks of hubris and overreach.
And pointing that out is not racist or sexist.
No.
There is no "inherent racism" in the media's questioning of a six-figure chief of staff for the Mayor's wife.
Nor is there sexism.
Here's the problem: The mayor's spouse (whether male or female, black or white) is not an elected official. She (or he) does not need a "staff", much less a "chief of staff". "Chief of staff for the mayor's wife" is a newly created position, paid for by taxpayers, by someone who is not an elected official and who does not have official duties or responsibilities beyond showing up at events and smiling.
A personal assistant who manages the schedule and helps out with selecting the right dress and shoes? Sure, you can see there might be a reason that taxpayers would fund that. And the salary for a PA is not in the six figures.
But a chief of staff's job is to manage a group of direct reports towards the accomplishment of a goal. That's the issue here: The first lady is not an elected position, she does not need a staff, and taxpayers do not need to be paying for a staff.
Creating such a position smacks of hubris and overreach.
And pointing that out is not racist or sexist.
59
Black voters may also reasonably question a disproportionately high wage, coming from their tax dollars, for the assistant of an unelected, unanswerable position, therefore it is not 'inherently racist'. It is entirely fair and reasonable.
13
' ‘Bloomberg’s policy was one of supporting the wealthy, Wall Street, the capitalists, and it was not at all a policy that addressed the issues of our community in terms of housing, education, economics, jobs.’’ '
First part correct in that Mr. Bloomberg knew that without capital, a city cannot function. Mr. Bloomberg liked the taxes rich people paid. They support our municipal and social services. And we do need those services.
Second part incorrect: Mr. Bloomberg did create low-income housing, planted trees in poor neighborhoods, made parks, tried to keep projects crime-free so that elderly women and women with children weren't held hostage by gun-toting deadbeats.
But subsidies to young women who do not use birth control are counter-productive and, indeed, futile. No one family should be on subsidies for three generations. A one-time supporter of welfare as a leg up to poor people, I see that, 50 years later, all too often welfare has meant the increase in dysfunctional families and, consequently, the worsening of conditions for those black families who are held hostage by drug gangs and the mayhem that always accompanies them. Our school system is in shambles because too many young people are, by nurture and perhaps at this point, by nature, unwilling to work and incapable of controlling their impulses.
You can blame the teachers all you want, but who blames the dentist when the patient doesn't brush his teeth?
First part correct in that Mr. Bloomberg knew that without capital, a city cannot function. Mr. Bloomberg liked the taxes rich people paid. They support our municipal and social services. And we do need those services.
Second part incorrect: Mr. Bloomberg did create low-income housing, planted trees in poor neighborhoods, made parks, tried to keep projects crime-free so that elderly women and women with children weren't held hostage by gun-toting deadbeats.
But subsidies to young women who do not use birth control are counter-productive and, indeed, futile. No one family should be on subsidies for three generations. A one-time supporter of welfare as a leg up to poor people, I see that, 50 years later, all too often welfare has meant the increase in dysfunctional families and, consequently, the worsening of conditions for those black families who are held hostage by drug gangs and the mayhem that always accompanies them. Our school system is in shambles because too many young people are, by nurture and perhaps at this point, by nature, unwilling to work and incapable of controlling their impulses.
You can blame the teachers all you want, but who blames the dentist when the patient doesn't brush his teeth?
55
I really wonder if the New York Times actually does a background investigation into the stories they publish. On Sep 9, 2015 McCray announces a 30 Million dollar city supported mental health experiment, which targets, the minority community. In early March of 2015 they announced 80 million dollars of additional funding towards mental health care. Then put 130 million dollars into the criminal justice mental health care system. These additional monies have come from the tax payers through not for profit agencies, various donors etc..
Why is this so significant ? If you look at the plans there is no " informed consent " how can someone who has no formal education, lived in poverty, be informed about mental health and medications being administered to them, diagnoses etc.. They are easy targets to create false statistics and create more fear that people with mental health conditions are violent.
What one should be asking is, why are the majority of agencies, donors, hospitals, organizations involved in this " experiment " donors to bill deblasio's campaign ?
http://www.nyccfb.info/searchabledb/AdvancedContributionSearchResult.asp...
Why is this so significant ? If you look at the plans there is no " informed consent " how can someone who has no formal education, lived in poverty, be informed about mental health and medications being administered to them, diagnoses etc.. They are easy targets to create false statistics and create more fear that people with mental health conditions are violent.
What one should be asking is, why are the majority of agencies, donors, hospitals, organizations involved in this " experiment " donors to bill deblasio's campaign ?
http://www.nyccfb.info/searchabledb/AdvancedContributionSearchResult.asp...
18