'To be Mayor of New York' by Chris McNickle explores the intricate and often tumultuous journey of political aspiration in America’s largest city. Through vivid storytelling, the book delves into the lives of those who dared to dream of mayoral office, revealing their motivations, struggles, and the unyielding spirit required to capture such a coveted position. Readers will encounter a rich tapestry of characters, reflecting both the glory and grit of urban governance. McNickle’s insightful analysis uncovers the impact of leadership on the daily lives of citizens and the city’s future. This engaging narrative invites readers to ponder: what does it truly mean to lead a metropolis?
By Chris McNickle
Published: 1993
""To lead a city is to understand its heartbeat, to listen to its people, and to navigate the delicate dance between vision and reality.""
From Tammany Hall to the election of David Dinkins, To Be Mayor of New York offers insights into the effect of ethnic competition on the demise of urban political machines. Beginning with a colorful assessment of New York City's Tammany Hall as it existed in the late nineteenth century, McNickle traces the effect of the arrival of large numbers of Jewish and Italian immigrants -and later black and Puerto Rican migrants- on the Irish-dominated political machine. He focuses on the political passage of Jewish immigrants through the various small parties unique to New York -socialist, American Labor, and Liberal. Later he describes their attraction to various factions of the traditional Democratic and Republican parties. He spotlights the willingness of large numbers of Jewish voters to cast ballots for third-party candidates on the basis of their shared philosophical commitments and political priorities. McNickle then examines mayoral campaigns between 1945, the end of the LaGuardia era, and 1989, during which the Irish receded and Jews and later African-Americans emerged as the most important ethnic groups in local politics. To Be Mayor of New York offers the most complete study of the development of Jewish political participation in New York. Placing a rise of the New York City Reform Movement in historical perspective, the author explains the election of New York's first Jewish mayor, Abe Beame, and the first African-American mayor, David Dinkins, as part of the political evolution of both these groups.
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“"To lead a city is to understand its heartbeat, to listen to its people, and to navigate the delicate dance between vision and reality."”
To be Mayor of New York
By Chris McNickle
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Chris McNickle is an accomplished author known for his engaging storytelling and vivid character development. His notable works include 'The Little Ones', a poignant exploration of childhood and nostalgia, and 'Shadows in the Sun', a gripping thriller that showcases his ability to intertwine suspense with deep emotional resonance. McNickle's writing style is characterized by rich prose and a keen eye for detail, often blending elements of realism with a touch of lyrical beauty. He continues to captivate readers with his unique voice and imaginative narratives.
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