In New York City, the political joy being felt in the wake of this year’s mayoral election right now has not been this strong since Barack Obama’s victory in 2008. But the lesson this time, is different from believing in one person. This time, the lesson is about recognizing the power New Yorkers already have and if they are willing to wield it to make government be responsible.
For New Yorkers, day-to-day life has become a non-stop experience of compromises and trade-offs. Transit prices just keep going up and up. Childcare remains unaffordable to families who work. Healthcare has become more precarious and less affordable. And now even middle-class families—once the bedrock of the city and the state—are starting to see that the affordable is not available.
