We need good jobs in manufacturing, health care, warehousing, construction, transportation, and information technology. The mayor can use the city's tax incentive and subsidy strategies, and can be creative about land-use policies in ways that foster growth in a range of industries. The mayor can make the city a model employer, one that treats its workers the way we expect private-sector businesses to treat their employees. Some of the specific proposals we will ask you about later cost money. Some don't cost much.
None are out of reach.
Most have been implemented by other mayors in other cities across the country. These are doable, achievable, specific, concrete first steps towards building an economy that works for all New Yorkers. Our goal in this forum is to try and get beyond campaign rhetoric and campaign promises, and engage in a constructive discussion about tough choices among actual policy alternatives that will make New York a better place to live for low and moderate income New Yorkers. Tonight, we hope, you'll hear the economic vision of our next mayor. The difference is crucial to all New Yorkers.