Ain't No Stopping Him Now: Bill deBlasio in the Bronx

Bill deBlasio is touching New Yorkers in their hopes and in their hearts. As reported in Politicker, he wowed Halloween crowds in the Bronx in a pre-election visit. The NY Times endorsed Mr. deBlasion while in recent profile of Joe Lhota, suggested that he has deep managerial and technocratic skills that Mr. deBlasio does not. Given the recent failures to achieve full liftoff of the Affordable Health Care Act, there are no doubt concerns that Mr. deBlasio could mirror President Obama in his popularity and campaigning acumen, but also in his weakness with legislators and seemingly limited executive ability. However, this might be a false fear. Given Mr. deBlasio's experience on the City Council, his extremely strong organization, his efforts as Public Advocate, his energy and contacts at all levels of government and in the community,and in business, and the political capital resulting from a Big Win in a predominently Democratic city, absent a major crisis, he has the potential to successfully take the reins of New York City government in hand, hire a strong team, and get grounded, while beginning to press for some of his initiatives. If he can also make some inroads -- somehow -- into job creation and homelessness, while continuing current efforts to maintain safe streets address stop and frisk, while making gradual education improvements, it could truly be a Brand New Day and a next step in a remarkable evolution for the former NYU student activist. First it will be up to the voters -- and then up to our Next Mayor. Full article from by Jill Colvin from Politcker here