To the Editor:
In “What New York City Needs to Defy the Odds Again” (editorial, Aug. 6), the editorial board accuses our administration of lacking the vision to tackle the issues facing our city as it emerges from a once-in-a-century pandemic. However, the board fails to grasp the point. While big ideas are easily thrown around, effective city management requires a focus on ensuring that the basics are running smoothly, especially after a tragedy.
Currently, overall crime rates have decreased, our streets are cleaner, and we have successfully brought back 99.9 percent of private-sector jobs. Daily subway ridership has surpassed four million multiple times since April 20 of this year. We are also implementing office-to-residential conversions and congestion pricing, a pioneering policy that will soon become a reality. These achievements are a result of our unwavering commitment to getting things done, despite claims by this publication to the contrary.
However, our work is never complete. We understand the importance of running a forward-thinking city that New Yorkers can depend on, and we have already made a significant positive impact. Rather than debating whether our accomplishments constitute big ideas or not, we will continue to focus on fulfilling our responsibility to the people of New York City.
Eric Adams
Mayor of New York
To the Editor:
While I appreciate the concerns raised in the editorial about the city’s issues, it disappoints me that one of the most significant challenges of our time is not mentioned. According to the state comptroller, one in 10 New Yorkers is food insecure. However, the crisis of food insecurity continues to be overlooked and treated as a problem that can be solved through charity. The editorial’s failure to address this issue reflects the overall neglect from the city and state, leaving nonprofits to shoulder the burden.
Throughout the pandemic, New York nonprofits have tirelessly provided emergency food support. In 2021 alone, the Roundtable: Allies for Food Access distributed 14.3 million pounds of fresh produce and worked to reduce food procurement costs. Meanwhile, City Hall proposed cutting funding for meals for seniors while countless New Yorkers face reduced SNAP benefits.
Inflation has caused food prices to soar, pushing vulnerable individuals further into need. Without prompt action, no amount of big ideas will be able to lift New York out of this crisis.
Greg Silverman
Executive Director, West Side Campaign Against Hunger
To the Editor:
Another crucial big idea for New York City is child care. Over half of the city’s neighborhoods lack accessible infant care, and even when families have access, the high costs make it unaffordable for most. Only 14 percent of families with young kids can afford center-based child care for a preschooler, and only 7 percent can afford it for an infant or toddler, according to a report. Working families, especially mothers, are forced to make a difficult choice between caring for their children and advancing their careers.
The Department of Labor recently found that caregiving costs the average woman $295,000 over her lifetime. Meanwhile, child care providers themselves earn among the lowest wages in the city. Even universal pre-K, which is crucial for parents, suffers from mismanagement and risks losing funding, as reported by The New York Times.
In conclusion, New York City’s child care system is fundamentally broken. It is essential for leaders to prioritize families and make significant investments in child care.
Reshma Saujani
Founder and CEO, Moms First
To the Editor:
The editorial board’s analysis of worsening conditions in New York City omits the most fundamental problem: the one-party rule in local government. The overwhelming Democratic control of local government leads to primaries dominating the elections and a lack of public consensus in decision-making. This disconnect between the political class and the people they serve needs to be addressed.
To rectify this, young people need to receive politically neutral civic education, allowing them to actively participate in local government. Creating formats like a Model City Council, where students can advocate for their neighborhoods and interact with peers from other areas, can be a low-cost and impactful solution. This approach will empower the next generation to bridge the gap and make informed decisions regarding their communities.
Neil Saltzman
New York
The Media’s Coverage of Hunter Biden
To the Editor:
Seeing the Hunter Biden story featured on the front pages of both The New York Times and The Washington Post brought a horrid flashback. It reminded me of the non-issue of Hillary Clinton’s emails a few years ago.
Just like Hillary’s emails, the Hunter Biden saga is a distraction for Americans. It is a political weapon used by Republicans to control the narrative, and unfortunately, they succeed every time. The media’s exaggeration of non-stories in an attempt to appear balanced has done more harm than good.
Rather than treating a private citizen like Hunter Biden as if he were a senior White House adviser, I suggest focusing on individuals like Jared Kushner or Ivanka Trump. Their deals and actions have significant implications for America, and that is where the real story lies.
Christine Thoma
Former Producer for NBC News, Former Senior Producer for Fox News
To the Editor:
While Hunter Biden’s possible transgressions may be used by Republicans to discredit his father, President Biden, one thing the president can and should do is make his stance clear. With speculation that Donald Trump may pardon several of his supporters if elected, President Biden should publicly state that if his son is found guilty of any crimes, there will be no pardon. Tough love is necessary.
Michael Kaplan
Princeton, N.J.
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