A few of our stories and columns are now in front of the paywall. We at The Chief remain committed to independent reporting on labor and civil service. It's been our mission since 1897. You can have a hand in ensuring that our reporting remains relevant in the decades to come. Consider supporting The Chief, which you can do for as little as $3.20 a month.
To the editor:
Government officials often make verbal promises that never materialize. They won’t make a commitment in writing or action.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Congress that the proposed Anti-Weaponization slush fund “was not going forward, period.” Federal Judge Andrew Floyd has demanded a written declaration that the Department of Justice “will not take any action to create or operate” the Fund and that it “will not proceed in any manner, or under any name.”
Mr. Blanche has refused to comply. Mayor Zohran Mamdani told Joe Maniscalco of Work-Bites during the campaign that “I am firmly opposed to privatization and Mayor Adams’ reckless attempts to strip municipal retirees from the traditional Medicare benefits they were promised and earned. Forcing retirees onto a profit-seeking Medicare Advantage plan is irresponsible and wrong.”
The Mayor has refused to either endorse legislation that would codify his words or drop related City litigation.
It’s easy to become numb to the countless unfulfilled promises and insincerities of those in power. But we must be vigilant.
Too much is at stake.
Harry Weiner
4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Valete
Remarkably, individuals are now acknowledging that Mamdani, a charismatic and socialist figure, misrepresented his stance to the labor news publication Work-Bites during his campaign. He asserted, “I am unequivocally opposed to privatization and Mayor Adams’ imprudent endeavors to deprive municipal retirees of the customary Medicare benefits they were promised and rightfully earned. Compelling retirees to enroll in a profit-driven Medicare Advantage plan is both irresponsible and morally reprehensible.”
Wednesday, July 15 Report this
RayMarkey
The Mayor has repeatedly stated he is opposed to forcing municipal retirees into a Medicare Advantage Plan. Yet some people who opposed his candidacy keep implying otherwise. Mayor Mamdani is a staunch defender of retirees and there is no reason to believe otherwise.
Ray Markey
Retired City Workers for Mamdani
Thursday, July 16 Report this
Valete
The "Great Pretender” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani made this statement during his 2025 mayoral campaign. He quoted it in an on-the-record interview with Work-Bites, a labor news publication. "I strongly oppose privatization and Mayor Adams’ reckless attempts to deprive municipal retirees of their promised and deserved Medicare benefits. Compelling retirees to enroll in a profit-driven Medicare Advantage plan is both irresponsible and morally wrong. "
The Bottom Line
The quote was part of a prolonged dispute over former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration’s plan to transition 250,000 retired city workers from traditional Medicare to a privatized Aetna Medicare Advantage plan. The aim was to save the city $600 million annually. Mamdani employed anti-privatization rhetoric to garner support during his campaign. However, media reports and labor advocates have pointed out that his administration has faced scrutiny since assuming office in January 2026. This scrutiny stems from the administration’s distancing itself from its promises and the pressure to find municipal healthcare savings.
10 sites
NYC Retirees Are Victorious Against Mayor Eric Adams Medicare Advantage Push
Jun 23, 2025 — Mayor Eric Adams abruptly ended his plan to force 250,000 retired city workers into a privatized health plan. The plan was initiat...
HEALTH CARE un-covered
The Pretender - Chief-Leader
Jul 15, 2026 — Remarkably, individuals are now acknowledging that Mamdani, a charismatic and socialist figure, misrepresented his stance to the l...
thechiefleader.com
Mayor Mamdani should protect the medical benefits of retired municipal workers in NYC
Jan 19, 2026 — Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pushed to privatize part of municipal retirees' health benefits. The plan is to shift retirees to Medicar...
amNewYork
Show all
Thursday, July 16 Report this
Harry
Candidate Mamdani was also asked by Joe about his reticence to support the legislation. Mamdani replied that his actions as Mayor would deem the bills unnecessary. Ending the litigation is a necessity.
Friday, July 17 Report this