David Paterson Critiques Mayor Mamdani’s Actions Against Ken Griffin
Former Governor David Paterson has expressed strong criticism of Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s recent actions, likening his behavior to something one might see in “The Godfather.” Paterson described a protest outside billionaire Ken Griffin’s upscale Manhattan residence as “dangerous.”
“Mamdani held a press conference where he talked about taxing the wealthy, and then he went to Griffin’s place,” Paterson noted in a recent interview. He warned, “As they say in ‘The Godfather,’ any attempts on people’s lives happening right now are extremely dangerous.” His remarks were recorded prior to an alarming incident that occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, attended by President Trump.
Paterson was particularly critical of Mamdani, who gained attention for filming a publicity stunt outside Griffin’s apartment. He suggested that the mayor needs to act more maturely in his role and not mimic a street activist.
“If it were a student movement, perhaps it would be more understandable. But this feels childish and without compassion,” Paterson said, referencing Mamdani’s support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed tax on luxury second homes valued over $5 million.
He remarked, “At his age, you would hope he would have outgrown such antics.” Paterson insisted that there was no justification for the manner in which Mamdani addressed the situation.
Addressing Griffin, Paterson pointed out, “Of all the donors in the world, I think Ken Griffin contributes the most to various causes,” suggesting that Mamdani neglected this aspect in his commentary.
Paterson’s comments come on the heels of a tragic incident where a prep school student allegedly shot a health care executive in broad daylight in Manhattan. His warnings seem to be resonating in light of previous assassination attempts against President Trump.
Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, defended his actions targeting Griffin’s mansion, stating he has no regrets about opposing the new tax on luxury homes. Griffin, founder of Citadel hedge fund, purchased his Central Park South property for a staggering $238 million in 2019.
“This house made headlines as the most expensive in the U.S. at the time,” Mamdani remarked, emphasizing the need for clarity in a political climate where tax increases are often misrepresented. “This proposed tax applies to a select group of properties,” he clarified.
However, Paterson argued that such taxation might push developers to consider projects outside New York City.
Griffin’s team expressed outrage over Mamdani’s protest. In a company-wide email, executives criticized the mayor’s remarks, hinting at the possibility of withdrawing from a $6 billion development project in Midtown.
Citadel’s Chief Operating Officer, Gerald Beeson, described it as a “shame” that Mamdani used Griffin as an example of a wealthy individual not contributing adequately to the city’s issues.
Beeson also indicated that the 350 Park Avenue redevelopment, which could create thousands of jobs, might be at risk due to the mayor’s comments.
In the meantime, some budget-focused organizations are questioning the feasibility of the pied-à-terre tax reaching its projected revenue of $500 million annually. Executive director of the Citizens’ Budget Committee, Andrew Lane, expressed skepticism regarding the anticipated impact on the housing market.
He referenced Vancouver’s experience, where expected revenues from a similar tax fell short because many owners opted to convert their luxury homes into rentals, thus avoiding the tax. Lane concluded that the city needs to address its budgetary problems without resorting to new taxes, suggesting that the pied-à-terre tax may not be necessary after all.
