They both rejected business techniques that ran contrary to how government works. For former venture capitalist Riordan, this meant bringing a new openness to the way the city conducts its affairs. A job well done was rewarded with continued responsibility. In a system that does not allow many financial incentives, Soboroff motivates with enthusiasm. He wants his employees to go home at the end of the day proud of their work.
Dictatorship is much less exhausting.
Fortunately, Soboroff is a tireless public servant committed to making democracy work the way it was designed by our founders more than 200 years ago. His example gives hope to the idea that ordinary citizens can leave private life for a stint in public service. Customers look first at what they can reap from government. If citizens think of themselves as consumers, they will shop for candidates who give them the most services now for what they spend. In contrast, owners tend to take a longer term view.