LETTER TO THE EDITOR – WESTCHESTER RISING
September 9, 2025
To the Editor:
I write in response to Eric Wolf Schoen’s column appearing in Westchester Rising (9/5/2025).
While I empathize with his frustration over career politicians felt by many people, I believe he misses the mark about this year’s race for Mayor of New York City.
Before residing in Westchester County over 20 years ago, I grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Most of my career was spent in managerial and executive positions in four Mayoral administrations (Koch, Dinkins, Giuliani and Bloomberg), so I have a unique perspective on the demands and limitations placed on the occupant of that office, where there are no “heirs apparent” and there is no “throne.”
The City of New York’s authority comes from a municipal charter granted by New York State, so the Mayor cannot unilaterally raise property, income and sales taxes without Albany’s blessing. A mayor might be able to make changes to the NYPD, but that would depend on the political climate next year, which is not a guarantee. Also, NYC currently receives 16% of its operating budget from Albany. If Mr. Mamdani prevails this fall, a reality check will set in on him by New Year’s Day.
Our two major parties cater in large part to the populist/hard right in the GOP and the progressive/quasi-socialist flank among Democrats, so moderate-minded voters are hard pressed come election day. Independent/moderate voters now account for 43% of the electorate, with both major parties receiving 28% each.
Here are some reforms that need to be passed that would make our elections more democratic and saner:
1. Rank choice voting (RCV)
2. Open up party primaries for public offices to all registered voters, thus giving independents a greater voice in primaries which would enable more moderate candidates to be nominated. Currently, 19 states – including Colorado, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington – permit some form of an open primary. New York would be wise to adopt open primaries.
3. Allow more parties and candidates to run in general elections. In last year’s Presidential election, only 4 parties (GOP, Democrat, Conservative and Working Families) appeared on the New York ballot – the first time since 1946.
4. Mandate restrictions on the amount of funds candidates can raise and spend in elections. In my view, the 2010 Citizens United decision of the U.S. Supreme Court was wrongly decided.
As voters we naturally get disappointed if our candidate doesn’t get elected. But it does not mean that we take our marbles and go home, in this case don’t vote – this is a sacred right which our forebears fought for many years ago, and we should take voting seriously.
Stephen R. Rolandi
Larchmont, NY
(Mr. Rolandi is currently an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Pace University and City University of New York and active with Principles First and Our Republican Legacy).
