New York Election Promises Civility; Reality Falls Short in City Services

By Betsy McCaughey

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani won his election by projecting warmth and approachability. His campaign smile was effective, but it stands in stark contrast to the often cold, impersonal reality faced by New Yorkers seeking help from city agencies or navigating courtrooms.

Mamdani needs more than just a winning smile for governance; he requires calling on all 300,000 city employees to embody warmth, respect and courtesy when interacting with citizens. Yet, many residents experience the opposite upon entering public buildings.

Recently, while attempting to be appointed as a guardian for an elderly woman bedridden in a nursing home, I visited family court at 111 Centre Street. Arriving punctually at 9:30 a.m., I found long lines outside due to limited security metal detectors. While inching forward, I encountered a burly guard who suddenly ordered everyone to turn around and enter the back of the building.

When I politely declined this directive and attempted to proceed normally from the front entrance where I arrived, he repeated his order more forcefully: “Do you think you’re someone special?” His condescending tone was jarring for someone simply seeking a fair process. This incident highlights just one example of disrespectful treatment common in city offices.

Upstairs at Judge Ilana Marcus’ courtroom later that day, another security guard confronted me when I checked the status by peeking through the door crack. She reprimanded me and shut down any attempt to engage, regardless of my legitimate purpose for being present. These experiences reflect the routine lack of civility reported in city services.

According to Citizens Budget Commission data, New Yorkers give low ratings (only 27% rate overall quality as good or excellent) to government services despite generally praising fire protection and garbage collection. The focus seems misplaced when it comes to service delivery – a crucial area where Mamdani must prioritize change if he truly wants his “dignity campaign” to succeed.

Former Mayor Fiorello La Guardia famously approached city officials incognito, often ignored himself until their services began flowing more freely for citizens. While a direct confrontation like knocking off someone’s hat today might be inappropriate, the core message remains relevant.

Mayor-elect Mamdani should lead by example and launch an official “Dignity Campaign” demanding basic courtesy from all public employees – treating New Yorkers not as problems to be solved or animals to be herded, but with the respect they deserve. This represents a significant step towards fulfilling his election promise of transforming city services.