New Directions for New York

This chapter speculates on the future of New York. It cites that New York is not an easy state to govern due to its demographic diversity and persisting tensions across the city and state. Even with machine politics, New York State did a credible job of assimilating and educating millions of immigrants and building a solid infrastructure. The chapter mentions the significance of virtue in experience, noting that the more the electorate is polarized, the less incentive for politicians to reach out for new supporters or introduce new policies or reforms. It explains that a grip on state and local debt offers a stronger prospect for change.