Incoming first deputy mayor believes Zohran Mamdani's agenda is 'achievable'
CHELSEA, Manhattan (WABC) -- It's been a century since someone nearly as young as Zohran Mamdani has become mayor of New York City, but it's his 74-year-old incoming first deputy mayor that believes the mayor-elect will put to rest the "too young" narrative.
"There's nothing that the mayor-elect has put forward that I don't believe in and believe is achievable," said Dean Fuleihan, the incoming first deputy mayor.
Fuleihan says failure is not an option. In fact, New York's next first deputy mayor relishes the challenge.
If Zohran Mamdani is the man with the plan, Fuleihan has to make it work.
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"It starts with a complete belief that we can actually achieve those things and address this crisis," Fuleihan said.
He believes "affordability" is the new administration's greatest challenge, while delivering on Mamdani's campaign promises.
"We have to achieve those policy goals. So, you should judge us on that," Fuleihan said. "You should judge us on the daily operation of the city. You should judge us on whether we're protecting New Yorkers."
Fuleihan was appointed last week, along with Chief of Staff Elle Bisgaard-Church. He brings decades of experience in the Assembly, and in City Hall under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, bringing universal pre-K to the city's schools.
"When that came out, the general opinion was, that's not happening," Fuleihan said. "It could not be done."
He says universal childcare is next.
"We're going to be able to do it, working with the governor, with the legislative leaders of both houses, to make this happen," he said.
Fuleihan says he signed on because he was inspired by Mamdani's upbeat campaign. At 74 years old, he may be the oldest member of the administration.
Two weeks after the election, the incoming administration is making no attempt to downplay expectations. If anything, they're doubling down on them.
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