By William Lewis
The radio program featuring host John Catsimatidis has been growing in interest since it started several months ago on Sunday mornings at 970 AM from 9-10 a.m.
He has interviewed elected and appointed officials from both Republican and Democratic ranks, as well as people from various positions in business, arts and sciences.
His program focuses on aspects of current city, state and national issues. As the radio show has grown, there has been some discussion of expanding it into two programs on Sunday morning. This would include one show concentrating on city and state matters and the other program would deal with national and international issues.
If this situation led to two radio shows, it would increase the listening audience. This program appeals to most political views as it grows. Very few radio or television shows have expanded into two programs. We will see how that develops.
Catsimatidis has said he wants to see the illegal immigrant program solved. He believes that efforts should be made to unite families. However, at the same time he would like to have seen President Barack Obama trying to work with the two houses of Congress, rather than use an executive order to implement his views.
He indicated that the Republican strong vote in the November election shows that the American people wanted change in federal and state government policy. Next year, with the Republican Party in control of both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, we will see what changes occur.
Catsimatidis also believes that the elections of 2014 will have a large effect on the elections of 2016. He believes that there will be primaries in both Republican and Democratic parties for the office of president. He indicated that Hillary Clinton will have competitors for the Democratic Party nomination. In the Republican Party there will be a number of candidates.
Regarding state and local matters, he favors a June primary for all offices. He thinks that with party primaries completed in June, the winning candidates will have time to prepare for the November general election.
Catsimatidis favors the two-party system but at the same time believes that citizens should have an opportunity to express themselves through third parties if they wish to do so.
In regard to city law enforcement, he said Police Commissioner Bill Bratton has done an excellent job up to this point, but he thinks Mayor Bill de Blasio has not been giving him the support he needs to fight crime in the city.
About a future world’s fair, Catsimatidis indicated that the governor and mayor would have to show an interest for a world’s fair project to get off the ground. So far, this interest has not materialized, especially from the mayor’s office.
As to the controversy of maintaining horses and carriages in Central Park, Catsimatidis strongly favors having them. He points out that horses and carriages have been used in Central Park for over 150 years, going back to the time when Central Park was first built. He indicated that the horses and carriages add to the traditions of New York City. He thinks most New York City residents would favor keeping them.
Next year, Catsimatidis would hope that the state Legislature would give priority to creating more jobs for our citizens. More employment is definitely needed at this point in time.
John Catsimatidis’ radio program will be raising many issues as we go into 2015 and beyond.
