New York’s new mayor, Bill de Blasio, was sworn in on January 1 and he promised in his inaugural speech a string of progressive initiatives that will address the problem of “inequality”:
On inaugural day, the new mayor outlined a sweeping progressive agenda for his administration, including higher taxes for those earning more than $500,000 a year to fund full day, universal pre-K and after-school programs for middle school students. He also wants to expand paid sick leave for employees of businesses that have 20 or more workers.
“Big dreams are not a luxury reserved for a privileged few,” he said, “but the animating force behind every community, in every borough.”
“Big dreams,” indeed. Red Bill is hellbent on making those dreams come true — with other people’s money, of course.
But the proof will be in what the city will look like when the mayor’s term is up. Will New York City undergo a renaissance, easing inequality and creating the conditions for business, the arts, and the people to flourish?
Or will the Big Apple look more like Detroit — a failed metropolis where the tax base has disappeared due to the flight of the wealthy and business to friendlier climes?
You’ve read what the pundits and commentators have to say. Now it’s your turn. Leave a comment below and tell us whether you believe New York City will be better off when Mayor Bill de Blasio’s term is over.
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