WINNERS LOSERS

Who was up and who was down last week

The New York City Democratic mayoral primary had its first in-person debate and there was a clear winner: the mute button, when these events were virtual. We truly did not know what we had until we lost it. Speaking of things that are looking better in retrospect, Bill de Blasio got to have some more fun. While his potential successors were forced to squabble on TV, he got to share decreasing COVID-19 statistics, publicly proclaim his love for Big Bird and tweet about basketball.

MARGARET CHIN & GALE BREWER

New York City’s back: Broadway, movie theaters and summer camps are all opening up. But for weeks, the city remained mum on whether senior centers were being revived as well, to the chagrin of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Council Member Margaret Chin. But the mayor finally gave the OK to let older adults head back to centers for in-person activities.

WINNERS

OUR PICK

LOSERS

OUR PICK

MICHAEL BENEDETTO

The Assembly Education Committee chair has a curious take on legislative oversight. If the state Education Department says things are A-OK, then why not take them at their word because they’re, like, really learned? That was his reasoning for holding up a bill to examine how much students are learning about the Holocaust. As it turned out, someone was listening and the whole episode came to light.

THE BEST OF THE REST

GARY LABARBERA

The past year has been a little rocky for the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council, but Gary LaBarbera got a major win for the union when the state Legislature passed a wage theft bill that would make contractors more liable when subcontractors stiff employees.

ZELLNOR MYRIE

His bill allowing civil lawsuits to be filed against gun manufacturers was passed by the state Senate. Maybe if Assembly Member Pat Fahy, the bill’s other sponsor, can get the body to pass the bill, she’ll find herself in the Winners Circle soon.

THE REST OF THE WORST

RAFAIL PORTNOY

MTA Chief Technology Officer Rafail Portnoy had a tough week after it was revealed that hackers got into the transit system’s computers. Now the unenviable task begins of fortifying the agency’s safeguards, and ensuring the hackers can’t continue their attacks.

SUZANNE SILVERSTEIN

The state Court of Appeals has ruled that New York City has every right to put homeless shelters in rich and poor neighborhoods alike. Too bad for Suzanne Silverstein and the merry band of NIMBYs she leads as president of the West 58th Street Coalition.

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Vol. 10 Issue 22

June 7, 2021

Lindsey Boylan won't be silenced

It ain't just NYC Upstate mayoral races to watch

CITYANDSTATENY.COM @CITYANDSTATENY THE ALBANY POWER

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June 7, 2021

Cover photograph: Emily Assiran

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