Brooklyn-bred tech multimillionaire Jack Hidary is running as an independent candidate for NYC Mayor this November. Despite his financial success, he swears by an “outer-borough” mentality that aims to lift all New Yorkers, while also keeping a focus on maintaining the city’s status as a “global capital,” attracting (and developing) the best and brightest into the technology and finance industries. He wants your vote to be mayor, so he sat down with Matthew Taub of Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn to make the case.
1. With Christine Quinn and Bill de Blasio supposedly in a dead heat, much attention has turned to the Democratic primary on September 10th. At the same time, New York City hasn’t elected a Democrat as mayor in two decades. What are the limits of the two-party system that made you choose to run outside of it? Are there realistic chances of an independent candidate (such as yourself) winning office? Why should voters take heed?
JH: It is clear that voters across New York City are yearning for independent leadership. Both parties have nominated career politicians who have had many years to make an impact on our schools, economy and public safety yet have failed. Voters have grown weary of the favors career politicians have bestowed on the special interest, just as they’ve rejected career politicians who advocate for policies that divide our citizens by race, politics, economy and religion. I will be a mayor who will listen and be respectful, I will create solutions, not divisions, and more importantly, I will be a mayor who will do what is right for the City as a whole. I chose to run an independent on the Jobs and Education Party ticket because these are the two most powerful factors that can empower citizens.
2. You’ve been described as a “Bloomberg protégé” for your tech multimillionaire riches and independent, outside the party-lines platform. But you are also quick to point out your “outer-borough” upbringing— that you “come from a place that is different from the other candidates.” What is your history in the borough of Brooklyn, and what upbringing (or orientation) do you have that sets you apart from others in the race? In what ways do you plan to expand economic opportunity beyond Manhattan to the other boroughs?
JH: I was born in Brownsville and raised on Ocean Parkway near Coney Island. As a first generation New Yorker whose parents came to these shores hoping to build a better life, I grew up rooted in the values of hard work, determination, and community. My parents were both entrepreneurs. In fact, entrepreneurship ran strong in my family, and we used to joke that the price of admission to Sunday dinner was being an entrepreneur. It was that exposure to the entrepreneurial spirit at such an early age that gave me the foundation and the drive to start two successful businesses. While others in the race were talking about the need to create jobs, I was actually creating them.
As Mayor, I want to make it easier for all New Yorkers to start a business. And as the only candidate in the race with proven experience creating jobs, I know I can deliver on this promise. Currently, government regulations have created a climate that makes it hard for the small business owner to get their ideas off the ground. As Mayor, I want to remove burdensome regulations that hamper small businesses. In addition, I want to unleash innovative solutions that will help small business owners get their products to market. One way we can achieve this is by facilitating the growth of food incubators – especially in the outer boroughs. Starting food incubators in places like Queens and Brooklyn, where we have some of the best food in the world, would mean small businesses could go there to use shared commercial kitchens, get guidance on packaging standards and design, and share strategies for success.
3. Education reform is one of your top priorities. You’d like to change our educational system from what you consider an outdated testing model to group learning and experience to prepare students for jobs of the future. What is wrong with the current education system, and what specific policies or programs would you implement?
JH: All one has to do is look at test scores and graduation rates to see that the current system is failing our children. Schools of today are not adequately preparing children for the job market. Many of my opponents in this race have warmly embraced the testing culture which comes at the expense of culture and creativity. As Mayor, I want to move our children away from being taught the test. As Mayor, I want to move our children away from classroom instruction based on rote memorization and lecturing. These are education techniques of yesteryear, and have no place in a 21st century classroom. As Mayor, I want our students to be engaged in meaningful, collaborative learning environments. We’ve know that when students work together on group projects, they iterate, fail and then succeed, which is exactly what happens in life. Simply put, when kids solve challenges, they learn better, and are better prepared for life outside classroom walls.
4. Brining more tech jobs to NYC is a lofty and admirable goal, but much of a NYC mayoralty is more nuts and bolts—the mundane, the grimy, even the ugly. Much of our populace inevitably (and necessarily) works in more menial jobs. How do you stand on matters effecting everyday New Yorkers such as “stop and frisk,” the impending closures of multiple Brooklyn hospitals, clamping down on tax break boons to real estate super-developers? How do you feel about unionization efforts by fast food workers, raising the minimum wage and offering paid sick leave for workers?
I’m happy for the federal judges’ ruling against ‘Stop and Frisk.’ It is a 90’s era policing tactic that has should have never been used as our primary tool to keep New Yorkers safe. I support introducing more technology into our police force, and want a renewed call for more cops on the streets so we can have a greater community policing presence. I oppose closing local hospitals that fill a vital community and health care role. I believe that City Hall should work with smaller hospitals to make needed upgrades and to assist them in finding partners that can help keep costs low and expand health care options to the areas they service. In the area of taxes, I believe we must strive for tax equality. However, I also believe that the next mayor must spend the tax dollars wisely and more responsibly. I oppose blanket calls for tax increases until a Hidary administration does a complete review of the City finances.
5. In the dwindling days of Bloomberg’s third term, many are reflecting on his legacy. What is your overall impression of the Bloomberg’s administration? In what ways do you feel he improved the experience and opportunities of the city? What policies or agendas did you disagree with?
JH: Mayor Bloomberg managed this City through multiple of economic crisis.’ In addition, he has handled education in a manner that has left us with tremendous progress to build upon. He has been a mayor who championed the arts, our environment, and became a national leader for tougher gun control – all positions New Yorkers are in strong agreement with. Most importantly, he showed New Yorkers that an independent mayor could govern effectively.