By Teddi GinsbergIncumbent mayoral candidate Michael Bloomberg is once again running a strong campaign based on strengthening community. Aside from questions about extending term limits just in time for his third run, Bloomberg remains popular throughout New York City. It’s widely known that Bloomberg has helped to decrease the crime rate (it’s the lowest it’s been in over forty years) and to increase the high school graduation rate. Bloomberg also implemented 311, which is a service line provided by the city of New York and a government information hotline. 311 is used thousands upon thousands of times each day and offers and endless supply of helpful information to New Yorkers. Callers can ask about anything from garbage collection schedules to financial help. Though famous for his financial savvy, the economic challenges he faced when stepping into office eight years ago pale in comparison to the downfall currently plaguing these times.
But how does he fare on sustainability issues?
Environmentally, Bloomberg’s focus seems to be on street clean up and park development.
In April 2007, Bloomberg introduced PlaNYC, which lay the groundwork for creating an environmentally sustainable New York in the next twenty years. Since he became mayor, nearly 500 acres of new parkland have been added to the city. There are also plans in the works to build eight new regional parks in New York City. Bloomberg dreams that one day every New Yorker will only have to walk ten minutes to get to a park. While this may seem like a lofty ambition, Bloomberg’s past progress makes this goal seem attainable.
New York City is the cleanest it’s been in over thirty years. This is largely due to the programs Bloomberg installed such as SCOUT, which requires a team of inspectors to drive every city street monthly and report back about conditions. The percentage of “acceptably clean” streets rose to 95.7%, which is the highest percentage since the rating system was created.
Recently, Blooomberg proposed a five-cent plastic bag tax in hopes that it will decrease usage as well as encourage consumers to carry their own reusable bags. And in May, he launched “Green Light for Midtown,” a project that will clear up the often traffic-congested Midtown by eliminating cars in both Herald Square and Times Square.
It is undeniable that Michael Bloomberg has made great strides in improving New York. To be re-elected, one could only guess that Bloomberg will fight tooth and nail for this city. After all, he already has.
About the Author
Teddi Ginsberg is a freelance writer and creator of lifestyle blog Jewish Girl in Wasp’s Clothing.
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