Lucas -
As New Yorkers, you know by now that we have a pretty unprecedented situation happening in our city — a president-elect living and working in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, at one of the busiest intersections in America.
The NYPD takes their role protecting the president-elect and his family very seriously, and they have done a tremendous job. But I do not believe New York City residents should have to pick up the tab for that work.
Last week I wrote a letter to President Obama and Congress asking for a $35 million reimbursement for the period between November 8 and January 20. Since then, Congress has approved 20 percent of that amount. But that’s not enough.
When the new Congress is sworn in, we are going to revisit this conversation and I think there is a good chance that we will do much better in the next round. But I want them to know that you are engaged on this issue as well.
I also want all New Yorkers to know what a tremendous job the NYPD has done. They have taken on this unprecedented challenge and done a remarkable job — all while crime throughout the entire city has gone down 10 percent from the previous November.
I know Congress and the president-elect understand the challenges being presented to the NYPD and to our city. I believe they’ll all do the right thing and reimburse our city soon. But it can only help if we all make our voices heard.
In solidarity,
Bill de Blasio