The life and times of an instrumental figure in New York Citys recovery from the fiscal and social crises of the 1970s and 1980s, and in the general revitalization of the city over two generations. Lew Rudin was one of New York Citys most influential power brokers in the latter part of the twentieth century, but he was also one of its most indefatigable boosters. Born in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx on April 4, 1927, Rudin rose to become cochairman, with his brother, Jack, of one of New Yorks oldest real estate dynasties, Rudin Management. It is for his civic involvement, however, that he is best remembered. Whether helping to get the New York City Marathon off the ground, or rallying corporate and labor leaders to come to the citys aid during the fiscal crises of the 1970s, Rudin worked tirelessly on behalf of the city he loved. The Association for a Better New York, which he founded in 1971 in response to growing concerns about the citys decline, continues to play a vital role in virtually every area of municipal life, from transportation to education. In Mr. New York, Seymour P. Lachman chronicles Rudins life and interesting times, and his love affair with the city he never ceased to believe in. Drawing on published materials as well as personal interviews with family members, business associates, and federal, state, and city officials, Lachman paints a portrait of a man who, by the time of his death in 2001, had truly earned the nickname Mr. New York. Lew Rudins life is a gift that keeps on giving, through the work, generosity, and friendships of his family and through the inspirational example he set for other successful people: if you do well, you must also do good. Because of Lew, New York is stronger, safer, and cleaner. And because of Lew, my life and the lives of countless others are richer. from the Foreword by President Bill Clinton Presidents, governors, and mayors knew Lew by his first name, and US senators and representatives always returned his calls. There are families in every city that have nobility attached to them. The Wagner family is one of them and the Rudin family is one also. They take the position that the city is bigger than all of us and needs all of us to attend to its needs. Mayor Ed Koch Some people put on airs. Some people are condescending in their positions in life, but not Lew. Lew could be with a queen, with a king, it didnt matterit was always Lew. Lew was himself, and that is a remarkable trait. Matilda Cuomo Lew Rudin was a wonderful man. I never had any reservation about doing business with the Rudins. They were elegant. The family has integrity, character, and whatever they did was ethical. Kenneth Langone Lew Rudin in good times and bad times stood out for the good things of New York. He dropped everything to fight the good fight for the city. He was a remarkable person. Howard Rubenstein Lew Rudin was a patriotic, dedicated person and a great public servant. Henry Kissinger
Winner of the 2011 Empire State History Book Award presented by New York State Archives Partnership Trust The Man Who Saved New York offers a portrait of one of New York's most remarkable governors, Hugh L. Carey, with emphasis on his leadership during the fiscal crisis of 1975. In this dramatic and colorful account, Seymour P. Lachman and Robert Polner's examine Carey's youth, military service, and public career against the backdrop of a changing, challenged, and recession-battered city, state, and nation. It was Carey's leadership, Lachman and Polner argue, that helped rescue the city and state from the brink of financial and social ruin. While TV comedians mocked and tabloids shrieked about the Big Apple's rising muggings, its deteriorating public services, and the threats and walkouts by embattled police, firefighters, and teachers, all amid a brutal recession, Carey and his team managed to hold on and ultimately prevailed, narrowly preventing a huge disruption to the state, national, and global economy. At one point, the city came within a few hours of having to declare itself incapable of paying its debts and obligations, but in the end stability and consensus prevailed, and America's largest city stayed out of bankruptcy court. The center held. Based on extensive interviews with Carey and his family, as well as numerous friends, observers, and former advisors, including Steven Berger, David Burke, John Dyson, Peter Goldmark, Judah Gribetz, Richard Ravitch, and Felix Rohatyn, The Man Who Saved New York aims to place Carey and his achievements at the center of the financial maelstrom that met his arrival in Albany. While others were willing to let the city go into default, Carey was strongly opposed, since it would not only affect the state as a whole but would have reverberations both nationally and internationally. In recounting the 1975 rescue of New York City and the aftershocks that nearly sank the state government, Lachman and Polner illuminate the often-volatile interplay among elite New York bankers, hard-nosed municipal union leaders, the press, and influential conservatives and liberals from City Hall to the Albany statehouse to the White House. Although often underappreciated by the public, it was Carey's force of will, wit, intellect, judgment, and experiences that allowed the state to survive this unparalleled ordeal and ultimately to emerge on a stronger footing. Further, Lachman and Polner argue, Carey's accomplishment is worth recalling as a prime example of how governments—local, state, and federal—can work to avoid the renewed the threat of bankruptcy that now confronts many overstretched states and localities.
Shines a light on the dark corners of New Yorks legislature and points the way to much-needed reform. Failed State is both an original account of a state legislature in urgent need of reform and a call to action for those who would fix it. Drawing on his experiences both in and out of state government, former New York State senator Seymour P. Lachman reveals and explores Albanys hush-hush, top-down processes, illuminating the hidden, secretive corners where the state assembly and state senate conduct the peoples business and spend public money. Part memoir and part exposé, Failed State is a revision of and follow-up to Three Men in a Room, published in 2006. The focus of the original book was the injury to democratic governance that arises when three individualsgovernor, senate majority leader, and assembly speakertightly control one of the countrys largest and most powerful state governments. Expanding on events that have occurred in the decade since the original books publication, Failed State shows how this scenario has given way to widespread corruption, among them the convictions of two men in the roomthe senate and assembly leadersas well as a number of other state lawmakers. All chapters have been revised and expanded, new chapters have been added, and the final chapter charts a path to durable reform that would change New Yorks state government from its present-day status as a national disgrace to a model of transparent, more effective state politics and governance. Three Men in a Room was an important book when it came out over a decade ago, and sadly little has changed since then. In the context of high-level corruption convictions and the ongoing investigations by the US attorneys office, Failed State reminds us just how much needs to be done, and offers constructive recommendations about the kind of reform we so desperately need in Albany. Senator Liz Krueger, 28th New York State Senate District Weve all heard that Albanys a mess, that theres too much bad politics and sometimes corruption in the legislature. Its all true. How can that be? Are there any voices crying out to do it right? Seymour Lachmans Failed State takes you on a personal journey that explains how and why it can be that bad, as he discovers exactly what a lonely voice trying to do it right can doand what it cant. This is a read it and weep book by a principled man who was a legislator for close to a decade. But better than weeping, read itand do something. Peter C. Goldmark Jr., former New York State Budget Director and President of the Rockefeller Foundation In Failed State Seymour Lachman provides a birds-eye view into how New Yorks state legislature worksand doesnt work. Coupled with his extensive historical review, as a former legislator Lachman offers deep insights into whats wrong with Albany and helps make the case for fundamental changes. His sweeping analysis lays a foundation to make New York government more responsive to the public it purports to serve. For all New Yorkers looking to better understand their state government, Failed State is a must read. Blair Horner, Executive Director, New York Public Interest Research Group Seymour Lachman writes about Albany dysfunction as only an insider can. He knows firsthand what it is to be bullied and extorted by political bosses, to have to cast votes on massive, secretly negotiated budget deals on a few hours notice, to be the target of nakedly partisan gerrymandering, and to watch a parade of his colleagues go to prison for corruption. Failed State vividly documents a sordid era of New York history and provides a practical guide to real reform. Bill Hammond, The Empire Center The unifying theme here is that New York State government is broken and is not likely to mend itself. Lachman proposes a number of reforms that he believes will restore democracyamong them, the holding of a constitutional convention, which New Yorkers will vote on in November 2017. Timely and valuable, Failed State will help voters understand what the stakes are when making that decision. Peter J. Galie, coeditor of New Yorks Broken Constitution: The Governance Crisis and the Path to Renewed Greatness Praise for Three Men in a Room Startling: a political book that actually informs the public. Jimmy Breslin Three Men in a Room is a perceptive account of a state legislature in urgent need of reform, and of how to accomplish it. Senator Lachman had a front-row seat in Albany, as I once did. He also brings years of academic experience to this compelling and important book. Read it and take it seriouslyfor democracys sake. Hugh L. Carey, New York State Governor (19751983) Required reading for any New Yorker who wants to understand whats gone wrong in Albanyand why. This book provides an invaluable dissection of Albanys dysfunction from the perspective of an idealistic insider who emerged from the experience with his principles and credibility intact. Edmund J. McMahon Jr., Director, Empire Center for New York State Policy Both edifying and horrifying: Lachmans privileged perspective on New Yorks legislative practices is essential reading for would-be reformers. Artvoice
Shines a light on the dark corners of New Yorks legislature and points the way to much-needed reform. Failed State is both an original account of a state legislature in urgent need of reform and a call to action for those who would fix it. Drawing on his experiences both in and out of state government, former New York State senator Seymour P. Lachman reveals and explores Albanys hush-hush, top-down processes, illuminating the hidden, secretive corners where the state assembly and state senate conduct the peoples business and spend public money. Part memoir and part exposé, Failed State is a revision of and follow-up to Three Men in a Room, published in 2006. The focus of the original book was the injury to democratic governance that arises when three individualsgovernor, senate majority leader, and assembly speakertightly control one of the countrys largest and most powerful state governments. Expanding on events that have occurred in the decade since the original books publication, Failed State shows how this scenario has given way to widespread corruption, among them the convictions of two men in the roomthe senate and assembly leadersas well as a number of other state lawmakers. All chapters have been revised and expanded, new chapters have been added, and the final chapter charts a path to durable reform that would change New Yorks state government from its present-day status as a national disgrace to a model of transparent, more effective state politics and governance. Three Men in a Room was an important book when it came out over a decade ago, and sadly little has changed since then. In the context of high-level corruption convictions and the ongoing investigations by the US attorneys office, Failed State reminds us just how much needs to be done, and offers constructive recommendations about the kind of reform we so desperately need in Albany. Senator Liz Krueger, 28th New York State Senate District Weve all heard that Albanys a mess, that theres too much bad politics and sometimes corruption in the legislature. Its all true. How can that be? Are there any voices crying out to do it right? Seymour Lachmans Failed State takes you on a personal journey that explains how and why it can be that bad, as he discovers exactly what a lonely voice trying to do it right can doand what it cant. This is a read it and weep book by a principled man who was a legislator for close to a decade. But better than weeping, read itand do something. Peter C. Goldmark Jr., former New York State Budget Director and President of the Rockefeller Foundation In Failed State Seymour Lachman provides a birds-eye view into how New Yorks state legislature worksand doesnt work. Coupled with his extensive historical review, as a former legislator Lachman offers deep insights into whats wrong with Albany and helps make the case for fundamental changes. His sweeping analysis lays a foundation to make New York government more responsive to the public it purports to serve. For all New Yorkers looking to better understand their state government, Failed State is a must read. Blair Horner, Executive Director, New York Public Interest Research Group Seymour Lachman writes about Albany dysfunction as only an insider can. He knows firsthand what it is to be bullied and extorted by political bosses, to have to cast votes on massive, secretly negotiated budget deals on a few hours notice, to be the target of nakedly partisan gerrymandering, and to watch a parade of his colleagues go to prison for corruption. Failed State vividly documents a sordid era of New York history and provides a practical guide to real reform. Bill Hammond, The Empire Center The unifying theme here is that New York State government is broken and is not likely to mend itself. Lachman proposes a number of reforms that he believes will restore democracyamong them, the holding of a constitutional convention, which New Yorkers will vote on in November 2017. Timely and valuable, Failed State will help voters understand what the stakes are when making that decision. Peter J. Galie, coeditor of New Yorks Broken Constitution: The Governance Crisis and the Path to Renewed Greatness Praise for Three Men in a Room Startling: a political book that actually informs the public. Jimmy Breslin Three Men in a Room is a perceptive account of a state legislature in urgent need of reform, and of how to accomplish it. Senator Lachman had a front-row seat in Albany, as I once did. He also brings years of academic experience to this compelling and important book. Read it and take it seriouslyfor democracys sake. Hugh L. Carey, New York State Governor (19751983) Required reading for any New Yorker who wants to understand whats gone wrong in Albanyand why. This book provides an invaluable dissection of Albanys dysfunction from the perspective of an idealistic insider who emerged from the experience with his principles and credibility intact. Edmund J. McMahon Jr., Director, Empire Center for New York State Policy Both edifying and horrifying: Lachmans privileged perspective on New Yorks legislative practices is essential reading for would-be reformers. Artvoice
Winner of the 2011 Empire State History Book Award presented by New York State Archives Partnership Trust The Man Who Saved New York offers a portrait of one of New York's most remarkable governors, Hugh L. Carey, with emphasis on his leadership during the fiscal crisis of 1975. In this dramatic and colorful account, Seymour P. Lachman and Robert Polner's examine Carey's youth, military service, and public career against the backdrop of a changing, challenged, and recession-battered city, state, and nation. It was Carey's leadership, Lachman and Polner argue, that helped rescue the city and state from the brink of financial and social ruin. While TV comedians mocked and tabloids shrieked about the Big Apple's rising muggings, its deteriorating public services, and the threats and walkouts by embattled police, firefighters, and teachers, all amid a brutal recession, Carey and his team managed to hold on and ultimately prevailed, narrowly preventing a huge disruption to the state, national, and global economy. At one point, the city came within a few hours of having to declare itself incapable of paying its debts and obligations, but in the end stability and consensus prevailed, and America's largest city stayed out of bankruptcy court. The center held. Based on extensive interviews with Carey and his family, as well as numerous friends, observers, and former advisors, including Steven Berger, David Burke, John Dyson, Peter Goldmark, Judah Gribetz, Richard Ravitch, and Felix Rohatyn, The Man Who Saved New York aims to place Carey and his achievements at the center of the financial maelstrom that met his arrival in Albany. While others were willing to let the city go into default, Carey was strongly opposed, since it would not only affect the state as a whole but would have reverberations both nationally and internationally. In recounting the 1975 rescue of New York City and the aftershocks that nearly sank the state government, Lachman and Polner illuminate the often-volatile interplay among elite New York bankers, hard-nosed municipal union leaders, the press, and influential conservatives and liberals from City Hall to the Albany statehouse to the White House. Although often underappreciated by the public, it was Carey's force of will, wit, intellect, judgment, and experiences that allowed the state to survive this unparalleled ordeal and ultimately to emerge on a stronger footing. Further, Lachman and Polner argue, Carey's accomplishment is worth recalling as a prime example of how governments—local, state, and federal—can work to avoid the renewed the threat of bankruptcy that now confronts many overstretched states and localities.
Is America unique? One of our major political analysts explores the deeply held but often unarticulated beliefs that shape the American creed. "(A) magisterial attempt to distill a lifetime of learning about America into a persuasive brief . . . (by) the dean of American political sociologists".--Carlin Romano, "Boston Globe".
The life and times of an instrumental figure in New York Citys recovery from the fiscal and social crises of the 1970s and 1980s, and in the general revitalization of the city over two generations. Lew Rudin was one of New York Citys most influential power brokers in the latter part of the twentieth century, but he was also one of its most indefatigable boosters. Born in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx on April 4, 1927, Rudin rose to become cochairman, with his brother, Jack, of one of New Yorks oldest real estate dynasties, Rudin Management. It is for his civic involvement, however, that he is best remembered. Whether helping to get the New York City Marathon off the ground, or rallying corporate and labor leaders to come to the citys aid during the fiscal crises of the 1970s, Rudin worked tirelessly on behalf of the city he loved. The Association for a Better New York, which he founded in 1971 in response to growing concerns about the citys decline, continues to play a vital role in virtually every area of municipal life, from transportation to education. In Mr. New York, Seymour P. Lachman chronicles Rudins life and interesting times, and his love affair with the city he never ceased to believe in. Drawing on published materials as well as personal interviews with family members, business associates, and federal, state, and city officials, Lachman paints a portrait of a man who, by the time of his death in 2001, had truly earned the nickname Mr. New York. Lew Rudins life is a gift that keeps on giving, through the work, generosity, and friendships of his family and through the inspirational example he set for other successful people: if you do well, you must also do good. Because of Lew, New York is stronger, safer, and cleaner. And because of Lew, my life and the lives of countless others are richer. from the Foreword by President Bill Clinton Presidents, governors, and mayors knew Lew by his first name, and US senators and representatives always returned his calls. There are families in every city that have nobility attached to them. The Wagner family is one of them and the Rudin family is one also. They take the position that the city is bigger than all of us and needs all of us to attend to its needs. Mayor Ed Koch Some people put on airs. Some people are condescending in their positions in life, but not Lew. Lew could be with a queen, with a king, it didnt matterit was always Lew. Lew was himself, and that is a remarkable trait. Matilda Cuomo Lew Rudin was a wonderful man. I never had any reservation about doing business with the Rudins. They were elegant. The family has integrity, character, and whatever they did was ethical. Kenneth Langone Lew Rudin in good times and bad times stood out for the good things of New York. He dropped everything to fight the good fight for the city. He was a remarkable person. Howard Rubenstein Lew Rudin was a patriotic, dedicated person and a great public servant. Henry Kissinger
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