Mamdanism falters in New York
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TL;DR
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani's claimed budget surplus relies on state bailouts and questionable accounting practices.
- The 'free buses' initiative has seen a decrease in paid ridership, costing the MTA $31 million in fare revenue, with officials attributing this partly to the promise of free service.
- Mamdani's childcare program is facing significant funding and logistical problems, with centers struggling to open due to lack of resources and delayed loan disbursements.
- A city-run grocery store initiative is criticized for creating unfair competition with private businesses through taxpayer subsidies.
- The administration's response to an inmate's death at Rikers Island focused on closing the facility rather than acknowledging the deceased's criminal history or victims.