Fred Buggs: We're got the mayor on the phone, Mayor Zohran Mamdani. How are you doing?
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani: I'm doing well Bugsy. I'm staying cool and staying indoors. How are you?
Buggs: I'm doing well. First of all, congratulations. Incredible primary. It's just amazing that somebody hears what the constituency is looking for and asking for. So, congratulations on that.
Mayor Mamdani: I really, really appreciate that. You know, we've been missing for a long time a focus on working people in our politics, and I'm very excited in Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, Darializa Avila Chevalier, [for] what they're going to bring as the next congresspeople representing those districts.
Buggs: Absolutely, absolutely. Now I know you've got a big speech coming up sometime tomorrow. You want to share with us what you'll be talking about?
Mayor Mamdani: I'll be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation. And how it's a moment to celebrate everything this country has fought to be and everything that we have to still fight for to ensure not only that we protect that but that we actually live up to the ideals that make so many of us so proud to be Americans. And you know, as some New Yorkers know, I came to this country at the age of seven, grew up in this city. And one of the proudest moments of my life was when I got to call myself not only a New Yorker, but also an American. And in celebrating this anniversary, I think celebrating a fact that all of us as Americans get to write the story of our country. And it's a privilege and it's a responsibility.
Buggs: It's amazing too. And I got to give it to you for the crime stats out. They've improved tremendously in this first term. That's nothing to sleep on either.
Mayor Mamdani: You know, I really think it's - as you say, we're talking about the safest first six months of any year in New York City's recorded history. Citywide, we're looking at nearly a 6 percent decrease in major crime. And then when it comes to murders and shooting incidents - in shooting victims, we have reached record lows in each of those categories.
And we also know that for New Yorkers, you know, statistics are important. But they are also always an invitation to deliver more. And we never want to rest on our laurels and say the job is done when it comes to public safety. So long as there's crime, there is a job for us to do. And we're looking forward to keep doing it.
Buggs: Mayor, you know, there's something else too at play because I've always heard about the statistics but never saw the results. It's amazing when you hear the statistics and you also can see or feel the results in your neighborhood. I'm from Jamaica, Queens. So, I'm seeing the difference. So, congratulations on that. And congratulations for getting the budget done so us folks out in Jamaica, Queens, with those houses don't have to pay more.
Mayor Mamdani: Absolutely. But I think it comes back to the belief that, you know, when we're facing a generational fiscal crisis in the city, we have to resolve it without putting it on the backs of the working- and middle-class New Yorkers. And I'm proud to say that we were able to close a $12 billion deficit. And we were able to do so without having to ask the people who had nothing to do with that crisis for more.
And instead delivering the kind of services that make it easier to live in this city. Whether it's libraries, whether it's parks, whether it's our public pools, which we've extended to 8:30 p.m. for the Olympic-size ones during this heat emergency, we want to make it easier for people to call the city home.
[Commercial break.]
Buggs: We do have the 112th mayor still on the phone.
[Crosstalk.]
He's here with us. Give us some details on what's happening for the Fourth of July weekend and the sort of preparation that you and your team are doing.
Mayor Mamdani: So, I think, you know, first and foremost, we're so excited to be celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary. There's going to be a number of events that celebrate that, whether it's Sail250 or it's the 50th anniversary of the Macy's [Fourth of July] Fireworks. We also just want everyone to know, though - as they go out to be a part of these events - we are also going to be experiencing some of the hottest weather our city has seen in more than a decade.
We're looking at a heat index that's going to stay in the triple digits through the holiday weekend. It's going to be as high as 112 degrees today and tomorrow. And so, for New Yorkers who are tuning in now, my advice is to stay safe, stay cool and the best way to do that is to stay indoors.
Make sure you're hydrating. Make sure you're putting on sunscreen. Make sure that if there's anyone that you are concerned about when you're walking out in the streets, if you see them call 311. And if there's anybody, you know, that's experiencing the symptoms of heat illness, whether it's dizziness, nausea, vomiting or confusion, call 911 directly.
Bugsy: What I love is that you've got the sprinkler areas now for folks working outside. I used to work outside with Verizon, putting in that fiber-optic and stuff. And on days like today, that little spritz makes a world of difference. So, thank you so much for that.
Mayor Mamdani: You're welcome, my man. And I think it's a reflection of the fact that for all the New Yorkers who are just going about their days, there are going to be many that are going to be working outside in this weather.
And we have to make sure that we're protecting people. And so, in this moment, we've also sent out guidance to more than 70,000 businesses about the importance of developing a heat plan for their employees, and a reminder of the laws we have in our city, so that if you're a delivery worker, you have the right to use the bathroom of any restaurant you're picking up from.
Bugsy: Mayor Mamdani, thank you so much. Have an incredible weekend this weekend.
Mayor Mamdani: Thank you.
Bugsy: I'm looking forward to meeting you, too. Come through on the Saturday show if you get an opportunity on one of those slow Saturdays, which are probably few and far in between.
Mayor Mamdani: I look forward to it. Thank you for having me. It's a real pleasure.
