By Angelo Vivolo

As New Yorkers look ahead to November, the future of our city depends on an informed electorate. It is not enough to be swayed by slogans or wishful thinking. We must demand realistic, deliverable solutions from those who seek to lead us.

That is why I am deeply concerned about the campaign of Zohran Mamdani. His rhetoric may sound inspiring to some, but in reality, it is unrealistic and potentially harmful. At a time when New York faces crises—food insecurity, skyrocketing housing costs, a strained health care system, and above all, concerns about safety—we cannot afford ideas that divide, distract, or overpromise.

Do we really believe Mr. Mamdani’s socialist positions will bring jobs and growth? I believe the opposite is true. His policies would discourage investment, drive away opportunity, and put at risk the very jobs working families rely upon. That is not progress; it is regression.

Equally troubling is his support for legalizing prostitution. Is he aware of the human trafficking industry that fuels it? Legalization does not erase exploitation—it risks expanding it.

New York is not just any city. With a budget larger than that of most states, the next mayor must manage public safety, education, housing, transportation, and health care with experience and proven leadership. This is no place for untested ambition.

His ambition without qualification will not serve New York City well. We cannot gamble our city’s future on rhetoric that cannot deliver. This November, we must choose leadership grounded in experience, pragmatism, and the ability to govern. Our city’s future depends on it.