My wife and family, to say the least, are the center of my life; they are my grounding. I don't want to sound schmaltzy, but they are my inspiration and you name it.

I've always had a very positive relationship with the municipal labor unions - a respectful relationship.

We are New Yorkers. Proud citizens of the greatest city on earth. Thinking big isn't new to us. It is the very foundation of who we are.

I think small business is struggling in New York City. It's a fantastic market, it's a very appealing market, there's lots of opportunity, at the same time it's a very difficult place to build a small business.

Going back to high school and college, I believed I would be involved in public service. I literally could not conceptualize anything else.

I think unionization is good public policy. I think when families secure their economic future, that's good for everyone.

There is nothing wrong with listening. You can listen to people; you can hear people's concerns. You can keep an open mind and still be perfectly strong.