NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Angering Many New Yorkers Due To His Recent Policies
Photo Courtesy of Wall Street Journal
On Sat., hundreds of New Yorkers gathered in front of City Hall Park to demand that Mayor Bill de Blasio step down or adjust his policies.
Recently, de Blasio has been under fire for his handling of the coronavirus, along with the sudden increase in gun violence across the five boroughs. de Blasio’s relationship with the NYPD isn’t what either the department or the citizens of New York expected when he was first elected. He was known to be a progressive candidate during his campaigning compared to his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg.
In 2013, de Blasio spoke about the racist history of the NYPD and understood that police reform needed to be a priority for the city. However, in light of the recent protests that have been occurring across the city, many think his perspectives have changed. According to an article written by The Atlantic, a viral video went around of two police cars ran through a crowd of protestors, sending many of them crashing to the pavement.
“I do believe the NYPD has acted appropriately,” said de Blasio in response to the situation.
Many believe that he made promises to the city to be liberal and to combat inequality in many forms. At the same time, people also believe they weren’t genuine promises. Before his election, he took pride in mentioning his biracial son and daughter, along with his Black wife. He has made some efforts in combating racism in the police force such as banning choke holds.
When it comes to other city issues such as homelessness, crime, and protecting small businesses under the COVID-19 pandemic, many find him at fault of not taking action. Small businesses, specifically restaurants, have been mostly affected by the virus as they’re not expected to have in-door dining until the summer of next year. Those that are unable to will most likely be severely impacted as temperatures start to drop in the coming months.
In addition, gun violence has been significantly higher this year compared to the same time period last year. de Blasio has been heavily criticized for not taking enough action to combat the sudden spike. He sees the courts being closed as a reason for the increase, but according to court officials, that’s not the case at all. It goes back to his relationship with the NYPD.
In an interview with CBS News, a police expert said that it’s because of de Blasio’s decision to eliminate cash bail for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. The expert also faulted de Blasio’s commitment to disband the Anti-Crime Unit.
or Bill The list of complaints against the actions that de Blasio has taken during his two terms appear to be extensive. Although, the new election for a new mayor if the city isn’t until 2021, many are on edge seeing what else is in store for the five boroughs during such a critical time.