Progressives who are elected to executive office have a unique opportunity to highlight neglected issues and stimulate much-needed debate, by taking actions which challenge the "conventional wisdom." The mayor of New York City is uniquely positioned to play this role, thanks to that city's prominence.

Perhaps you have seen the headlines and the television interviews about how New York City's new mayor, Bill de Blasio, is closing charter schools, evicting poor minority children, destroying their dreams for the future, and their chance to escape failing public schools. Time for a fact check.

With so many people in line to meet New York City's new mayor on Sunday, there was little time but for a brief handshake and a smile for the photographer. But Kelly King, an East Village artist, and Jerry Delakas, a newsstand operator, wanted more than a handshake.

I certainly had my fair share of differences, both publicly and privately, with Mayor Bloomberg. But, through it all, I remained a loyal supporter, because I respected his independence and I knew his heart was in the right place.

New York has been an extremely well-run city for more than a decade due to Bloomberg's considerable management skills. And, while there is room for criticism, Bloomberg has done an enormous amount of good for the city while taking home only $1 in salary each year.