James Dolan, the owner of the Knicks, is criticizing leaders from New York City’s prominent business group for not supporting Republican Bruce Blakeman in the governor’s race, especially when they could advocate for lower taxes and a pro-growth agenda.
Dolan, who also owns Madison Square Garden, is funding a political action committee to promote Blakeman against the Democratic incumbent, Governor Kathy Hochul. He argues that other business leaders are essentially giving Hochul a free pass.
In a recent email to Rob Speyer, co-chairman of the Partnership for the City of New York, which represents major employers across various industries, Dolan voiced his concerns. He noted a potential divergence between the priorities of the Partnership and his own with regard to the financial and political issues facing the city and state.
Dolan observed that many in the business community agree that Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposals to raise taxes would be detrimental. He feels that the Partnership’s leadership is making it easy for Hochul, who is running for reelection and has permitted the introduction of a new tax on luxury second homes.
“This is where our views differ,” Dolan wrote. “The mayor can’t raise taxes without the governor’s backing. The next governor will be crucial for defending against these harmful policies for the next three years, and if Hochul is reelected, she won’t protect us.”
He mentioned the possibility of new taxes coming down the line, pointing out that Hochul has nothing to lose in supporting policies that might be harmful to businesses since she has declared she won’t seek re-election.
The Super PAC, Strong and Safe New York, which is backed by Dolan, is investing millions to support Blakeman, who is currently the Nassau County Executive.
“To genuinely support the business community, we need to ensure a robust and competitive two-party electoral process,” Dolan emphasized. He noted that there’s still an opportunity to change the current trajectory before the November 3 election.
Dolan acknowledged that the Partnership has a well-funded advocacy group capable of mobilizing voters for candidates who favor sensible business policies, also urging them to call for a reduction in the burdensome tax system that is driving families and businesses out of New York.
“Alternatively, you might consider redirecting resources to a group that I lead, where we can promote the same agenda,” he suggested.
Dolan encouraged taking action now, stating that the stakes are simply too high to remain passive. He copied other Partnership members on his email to push for engagement ahead of the elections, noting that early voting is already about to start.
Since 2021, Speyer’s firm has contributed $97,500 to Hochul’s campaign.
Dolan concluded his email by affirming his status as a “friend and happy tenant” to Speyer.
The Post reached out to Speyer for a response.
Partnership CEO Steve Fulop commented that the organization is nonpartisan and does not take public stances on individual candidates. He mentioned that Hochul spoke to their membership earlier in the year and they plan to offer Blakeman the same opportunity before the election, focusing on policies that enhance New York’s competitiveness and promote job creation.
However, the organization has not yet met with Blakeman.
