Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
REMARKS
Minority Leader David Carr outlines the Republican delegation's policy vision
1:52:07
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3 min
Minority Leader David Carr details the ideological framework and legislative priorities of the Republican delegation, emphasizing a commitment to common-sense solutions and individual liberty.
- He critiques collectivism and socialism, arguing for the protection of property rights and free enterprise
- He advocates for public safety and unwavering support for law enforcement and first responders
- His fiscal priorities include balancing the budget without increasing taxes and providing real property tax relief for homeowners
- He emphasizes the importance of specialized education, gifted and talented programs, and skilled trades training
David M. Carr
1:52:07
Now more than ever, I believe the minority delegation has a crucial role to play in this council and in the broader body politic of the city of New York.
1:52:16
The nineteenth century British statesman Benjamin Disraeli once observed that a good opposition proposes nothing and opposes everything.
1:52:24
That has not been the position of this delegation.
1:52:28
While we will never shrink for fighting for what we believe in, we will continue to build our relationships across the aisle in this body and with our new speaker to advance common sense legislation that will improve the lives of all New Yorkers.
1:52:41
I also know that in our hearts, we five share a fierce dedication to the principles upon which our great nation was founded.
1:52:49
This July 4, we will celebrate two hundred fifty years since the birth of our country.
1:52:55
And yet, here in New York City, the legacy of our founding generation, which is grounded in individual liberty, property rights, and the free enterprise system, is being threatened by the smothering heat of collectivism.
1:53:10
Our new mayor outlined the stakes himself when he said New Yorkers were asking the question of whether the left can govern.
1:53:16
We already know the answer.
1:53:18
History has proven socialism to be a formula for tyranny, misery, and economic failure.
1:53:24
It will not only serve to divide our city, it will obstruct any progress we can make for our five boroughs because it runs counter to that most basic principle that has made our city and indeed our country great, the dignity and the freedom of individuals to pursue their own happiness.
1:53:42
The greatness of our city stems from the vitality, the intellect, and the aspirations of the individual and the voluntary collaboration of communities, not from the coercive power of an all encompassing government.
1:53:55
That is the history of the success of our country and our city and the foundation of our future success.
1:54:02
So in what do we believe?
1:54:04
We believe that prosperity and liberty are built on public safety, and so we will always have the backs of our men and women in law enforcement and our first responders.
1:54:13
We believe our nation's largest city must never forget the lessons of the nineteen seventies financial crisis, So we must balance the budget through fiscal responsibility, not with crushing taxes that will destroy our financial base.
1:54:26
We believe that we must educate our children to be part of the workforce of tomorrow and at the level that will lead to their success, whether it be specialized high schools and gifted and talented seats or STEAM programming or the development of skilled trades.
1:54:40
We believe that we must ease the financial burden for our middle and working class families wherever we can, and that starts by providing them with real property tax relief so that they can stay in their homes.
1:54:52
And no, we do not believe that homeownership is a weapon for white supremacy, but rather a vital pathway to financial stability and empowerment for all New York families.
1:55:03
We believe that we must deliver the essential services of government, infrastructure, sanitation, public safety, support for our seniors, and investments in our parks and open spaces.
1:55:13
These are the cornerstones of quality of life, And we stand ready to work with all of or each of you and all of our partners to achieve these worthy goals and to make great things happen for our magnificent city.
1:55:25
Thank you.