NYC business leaders thought Zohran Mamdani was charming but totally inexperienced: Kathryn Wylde

Mayoral Candidate Assessment - The Partnership for New York City organized meetings with mayoral candidates, including Zoran Mandami and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams [1] - Business leaders found Zoran Mandami to be an impressive, honest, and hopeful candidate, though inexperienced [2][5] - Concerns were raised about Mandami's inexperience in managing a complex city and his reliance on fiscal policies deemed unrealistic by the business community [5] - Mandami expressed a willingness to learn and consider alternative approaches to achieving his goals, such as property tax reform instead of solely raising taxes to address rent issues [6][7] Anti-Semitism Concerns - Concerns were voiced regarding Mandami's initial reluctance to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada" [8][9] - While Mandami stated he would no longer use the phrase and would discourage others, some felt "discourage" was not a strong enough condemnation [9] - The issue of anti-Semitism in the city is a significant concern for CEOs, including those on the board of the Partnership [7][9][10] - Mandami stated he would oppose anti-Semitism and work to unite people to combat it [11] Political Landscape - The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the candidate, with the Partnership remaining neutral and not endorsing any candidate [13][14] - Polls indicate Mandami is currently ahead of Cuomo, but the election is in November, and the situation could change [17] - Governor Cuomo had spent $30 million on his campaign [17] City Security and Policing - The business community is focused on policing and security in the city [18] - Mandami is considering retaining the current police commissioner [19][20] - The current mayor's relationship with the US President may be helping to prevent ICE raids and National Guard presence in the city [22] - Governor Hokhl is also playing a role in managing the ICE presence [23][24]