Richard Ravitch, on the day after his 76th birthday, became New York’s lieutenant governor 14 years ago amidst a chaotic state Senate crisis. In a bold move, Governor David Paterson appointed Ravitch himself to end the turmoil caused by a coup attempt from the Republican minority. Ravitch, a successful businessman with an impressive resume, brought stability to the chamber. He had previously played key roles in New York City’s fiscal rescue in 1975, worked on urban policies for President Lyndon Johnson, served as commissioner of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and negotiated for Major League Baseball’s owners.
Initially chosen by Paterson to address the economic crisis following the Wall Street meltdown in 2008, Ravitch advocated for borrowing money to prevent severe spending cuts. However, this idea was never seriously considered. After less than 18 months, Ravitch left office. Even in his 80s, he remained active, assisting Detroit with its own fiscal troubles, writing a memoir, and working on the State Budget Crisis Task Force with former Federal Reserve chair Paul Volcker.
Ravitch was known for his generosity and integrity, qualities embodied by the Jewish concept of a “mensch” – someone who acts with personal integrity and generosity. Despite being described as slightly vain and arrogant at times, Ravitch held onto his belief in the necessity of his ideas for the public good without tearing down his opponents. He was a mensch both in public and personal spaces, connecting people and treating them with respect.
Ravitch never sought elected office, except for a single serious attempt in the 1989 New York City mayoral primary, which he lost to David Dinkins. However, his career in public service as a civic problem-solver is worth studying in a nation facing numerous crises. From homelessness and affordable housing to crumbling infrastructure and economic inequality, Ravitch’s accomplishments highlight the importance of basic decency in achieving progress.
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