How much has de Blasio done to tackle New York’s age-old issue of being a “tale of two cities”?  Some would say quite a bit; others would say it’s just the economy that has fueled the impact of change.   But given that he ran on a platform of tackling this as it was the “defining issue of the day,” the question we must ask is, has he?  And if so, how much?

Still, when it comes to wages (increasing) and unemployment (decreasing) during his time, people are quick to see him in a positive light.  And the President.  And the government.  Or at least, the previous government which enjoyed “the longest economic expansion in the city [of New York’s] history.”

As Samar Khurshid recently noted, due to the economic climate though, de Blasio has worked toward putting policies in place that reduce inequality, in large part by developing the size and scope of city government.  But bear in mind that de Blasio has not (yet) had to encounter any crazy economic crisis or even stressors which would impact his progressive policies on the slashing of large government expenditures.

De Blasio is however, currently exercising caution with a partial hiring freeze on city agencies while focusing on the stimulation of private sector job growth via city government levers.

Over the years what he has done is this: put “progressivism” as an economic strategy as a top priority.  Right now he seems pretty undefeatable in a re-election.