JoshFeb 25

Of the lessons that can be drawn from Mamdani’s campaign and now Mayoralty, one of them is talking about (and delivering) the efficient, high-quality public services that well-run, well-resourced government can provide.

We see time and time again that getting the “market” to deliver what the state should provide results in over-paying for substandard services. Or being unable to deliver anything at all — Auckland’s light rail and Kiwibuild being prime examples.

The state can, and should, have the capacity to plan, deliver, and maintain the high-quality infrastructure and services that modern life demands.

“Maintenance is always cheaper than repair, and one of the main differences between a business and a government is that a business's shareholders can starve maintenance budgets, cash out, and leave the collapsing firm behind them, while governments must think about the long term consequences of short-term thinking”

H/t to @pluralistic

#nzpol

https://pluralistic.net/2026/02/24/mamdani-thought/#public-excellence

Pluralistic: Socialist excellence in New York City (24 Feb 2026) – Pluralistic: Daily links from Cory Doctorow

Show threadRichard Quinn

@joshjacobsen @pluralistic

Agree, however…

"…governments must think about the long term consequences of short-term thinking"

Not entirely. Governments only have to think up to the next election.

That's why we need more involvement of the people in decision making.

The people affected by a decision should make the decision. Then the government should enact the wishes of the people.

What we currently call democracy is merely one day of democracy followed by years of near dictatorship.

Feb 25 at 3:56pmWeb
Show threadDarwin WoodkaFeb 25

@rq4c @joshjacobsen @pluralistic

Politicians think to the next election. Government is more than politicians.

Show threadRichard QuinnFeb 25

@darwinwoodka @joshjacobsen @pluralistic

True, but it's the politicians who make the decisions, and can overrule long-termist civil servants.