Abstract

Why Rudy Reigns

This article examines the prospects of second term in the office for Rudy Giuliani, mayor of New York City, New York. When Giuliani took over, he began to make good on his promises. He declared war on the Board of Education, rightly slashing hundreds of millions from its central administration. Giuliani also took steps to lease out three city hospitals, and he initiated the city's workfare program, subjecting able-bodied welfare recipients to stringent work requirements. Polls show that the perception of the Mayor among the majority of voters is positive. Giuliani has changed the mayoralty in two ways. He has proved he can govern and that the city is governable-this hugely difficult, enormously complex city. The mood of the city has changed. There's a sense that someone is in command. Future mayors will be judged by those standards.