By William Lewis
Every Sunday morning a radio interview program on 970 AM is hosted by John Catsimatidis from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. It started out as a small enterprise about a year ago and is now considered a major weekend interview program.
People from all walks of life, including elected officials and candidates from both major political parties, have appeared on Catsimatidis’ radio show. The program is periodically mentioned by New York newspapers in terms of quotations by prominent guests that appear on the show. This radio program has grown in importance in terms of bringing the news to the listening audience. There are plans to expand the show to ensure reaching more people.
Catsimatidis, who is one of the wealthiest men in the United States, ran for New York City mayor in 2013. Although he didn’t win, he ran a strong race. He might possibly run again in the near future. That remains to be seen.
In a recent interview I had with him, he indicated that one major reason for the success of his radio program was that he emphasizes bringing the truth to his listeners.
Regarding several issues affecting New York City, he strongly favors keeping the horses and carriages in Central Park. If anything, he would favor expanding it to include areas of the park for training and maintaining horses.
He feels that law enforcement can achieve a better working relationship with the communities, by contact and trying to work out differences before they become major problems.
Catsimatidis believes that the economy of our city could be improved if the underground economy paid its fair share of taxes. He indicated that there are a significant number of businesses that have not been paying taxes. He feels if this situation were corrected, it could go a long way toward improving the city finances.
He also believes that national security will be the most important issue of the 2016 presidential race. The safety of our people is paramount.
He is not going to endorse a candidate for president at this time. He may do so in the future. Aside from public safety, he feels that improving public education is very important. He wants to see vocational training in addition to academic courses in our public schools.
Catsimatidis feels a devotion to New York City. He has achieved the American Dream through his business operations. For the time being, he will be working to constantly improve his radio program.
If he decides to run for public office, he will have the advantage of having considerable financial resources. Years ago another wealthy New Yorker ran for public office. He was Nelson Rockefeller, who became our governor. If Catsimatidis runs for mayor or any other office, he will make a strong candidate.
John Catsimatidis has had a very successful career in business throughout his life by first building a chain of supermarkets in New York City and then branching out into other areas. We will see how his career develops during the next few years.
Recently we have seen the speaker of the New York State Assembly and the leader of the state Senate driven from office due to corrupt practices. Some type of a system of checks and balances needs to be adopted by our legislative branch of government. Our people have the right to expect honest government. Periodically, dishonest legislators emerge and achieve high leadership positions. The practice must cease. Here in New York State next year, in statewide elections, honesty in government will be an issue that will get a lot of interest.
Let us hope that honest state government will develop and that corrupt practices will be a thing of the past. Our people deserve nothing less.
