Episode 400: Michael Blake Has ‘A Very Different Vision of What Can Be for NYC’
Feb 19, 2025
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Michael Blake, a former assemblymember and mayoral candidate, shares his vision for a better New York City. He critiques the current leadership, arguing it's time for a change. Topics include his proposal for a guaranteed livable income, increased public school funding, and significant cuts to NYPD overtime. Blake emphasizes the need for humane criminal justice reform, particularly at Rikers, and advocates for community-centric approaches to addressing housing and mental health issues. His engaging insights paint a hopeful picture for the city's future.
Michael Blake criticizes Mayor Eric Adams' administration, emphasizing the urgency for New Yorkers to seek new, trustworthy leadership amidst growing allegations.
Blake proposes a comprehensive economic strategy that includes a guaranteed livable income and affordable housing initiatives to address economic disparities in NYC.
Education reform is a priority for Blake, advocating for improved literacy rates and expanded career readiness programs to better prepare students for life.
Deep dives
Trust and Accountability in Leadership
The conversation addresses significant concerns regarding the current mayor, Eric Adams, highlighting allegations of legal misconduct, including taking illegal campaign donations. The discussion emphasizes a perceived lack of trust in Adams and his administration after the resignation of four deputy mayors and calls for Governor Kathy Hochul to remove him from office. This situation underscores the urgency for New Yorkers to reassess their leadership and the direction of the city, as concerns for ethics and accountability become critical focal points. Michael Blake articulates the need for a new vision focused on transparency and integrity in government.
Vision for Economic Justice
Blake proposes a transformative economic strategy aimed at ensuring a livable wage and addressing the high cost of living in New York City. His plan includes introducing a guaranteed income, universal childcare, and reforms around affordable housing, reflecting a focus on middle-class needs. He advocates for a 'Mitchell-Lama 2.0' initiative to improve access to housing, thus tackling economic disparities. This comprehensive approach underscores his commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all New Yorkers.
Education and Empowerment
The importance of education is a key topic, with Blake advocating for significant reforms to improve literacy rates and overall educational outcomes. His strategy includes expanding college and career readiness programs to prepare students as engaged global citizens. By addressing the current shortcomings in funding and educational management, he envisions a system where students are not only prepared for tests but are educated on essential life skills like financial literacy. He also highlights the role of mental health and civic education as critical components of a well-rounded curriculum.
Public Safety and Police Reform
Blake discusses the need for a balanced approach to public safety, emphasizing the recruitment of more police officers while also addressing issues of overtime spending and resource mismanagement. He advocates for policies that prioritize community safety and well-being, positioning mental health services as an integral part of the public safety framework. This approach seeks to establish a relationship of respect between law enforcement and the community, moving away from punitive measures toward supportive ones. He calls for a comprehensive strategy that holds all stakeholders accountable, ensuring efficiency in law enforcement while respecting civil liberties.
Addressing Immigrant Concerns
The conversation extends to the treatment of immigrant families in New York City, where Blake emphasizes the city’s sanctuary status and the need for protective measures against ICE interventions. He articulates a vision where schools and community centers remain safe zones for all individuals, regardless of immigration status. Blake underscores the importance of community cohesion and the acknowledgment of the diverse immigrant experience in shaping policies that prevent division and foster inclusion. This holistic approach aims to ensure that all residents feel secure, supported, and valued within the city fabric.
"You simply can't trust Eric Adams nor those that are closest to him," former assemblymember and Mayoral candidate Michael Blake said as he sat down with FAQ NYC hosts Christina Greer and Harry Siegel on Tuesday.
"And when you have four deputy mayors who have quit on him after Eric Adams quit on New Yorkers on MLK Day, it's a clear indication that it's time for us to quit on him and move on. And so where do we go from here? I'm laying out a very different vision of what can be for New York City."
In a wide-ranging interview — part of a series with each of the mayoral candidates — Blake dug into his idea of a guaranteed livable income, his plans to significantly increase public-school spending and slash the NYPD's overtime bill, his case for why he's the right candidate to meet this moment in New York City, and much more.
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