The Brian Lehrer Show Sewer Socialism? Start Here, City Hall
Nov 12, 2025
The conversation kicks off with mayor-elect Mamdani's vision of 'sewer socialism,' emphasizing public infrastructure for all. Listeners share pressing local issues, including overflowing trash and potholes making life difficult. Safety concerns arise with poor street lighting and hazardous bike lanes. A listener suggests pedestrianizing local streets to improve traffic flow and cyclist safety. Health complaints bubble up as sewage odors plague a school area. The show captures a community rallying for small improvements that could have a big impact.
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Sewer Socialism As A City Strategy
- Zohran Mamdani frames “sewer socialism” as municipal-focused socialism centered on public health and infrastructure.
- The concept ties basic services like water, power, parks, and education to fighting inequality in cities.
Raise Small Fixes With New Officials
- Brian Lehrer invites listeners to name small public-works problems for the incoming administration to address.
- He suggests contacting the show so officials might hear neighborhood priorities.
Endless Roadwork Causing Hazards
- A Brooklyn caller describes prolonged, uneven road work on Dean Street causing hazards for cyclists.
- They ask the incoming administration to commit resources to finish the job.