Political Courage with Brad Lander
About this episode
Brad Lander, New York City's comptroller and former council member, shares insights on his political journey marked by courage and coalition-building. He discusses his role in defending livable streets initiatives like the Prospect Park West bike lane, the Reckless Driver Accountability Act, and congestion pricing. Lander reflects on accountability, community solidarity, and fighting authoritarianism while envisioning a more inclusive, safer, and vibrant city. The conversation highlights the challenges and progress in urban transportation and governance, emphasizing the importance of honest leadership and collective action.
Brad Lander has been a fixture in New York's progressive political scene for nearly two decades now, and has earned a reputation as a strong advocate for bike lanes, bike share, driver accountability, and congestion pricing. This year, though, he's become known in a new way. As a candidate in a crowded Democratic mayoral primary, Brad cross-endorsed Zohran Mamdani, who eventually won the race with a margin that shocked the Democratic establishment. And in June, mere days before the primary ended, Brad was escorting a man named out of an immigration hearing when he was arrested by federal agents. Brad joins us to explain how his defense of the Prospect Park West bike lane as a then-new member of the New York City Council became a formative experience in his political career and why the courage and coalition building it takes to stand up for safe streets are also the same tools it takes to fight fascism.
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Chrysler New Yorker
"...who knows you but was experiencing this just as a New Yorker was when you did that cross endorsement. And this..."
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
"groups one in the neighborhood the Fifth Avenue Committee and the Pratt Center"
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