Ignore the backdoor advice and stick with it
Manhattan: In his op-ed (“How Zohran Mamdani Can Succeed as Mayor,” Dec. 28), Randy Mastro advises Mayor-elect Mamdani on how to succeed. I have some good advice for Mamdani: don’t listen to Mastro. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing. His essay certainly doesn’t sound like advice, as he goes to the trouble of stating that he doesn’t agree with your “socialist” agenda.
Then he describes your meetings as “symbolic”. He urges you to leave your “campaign of anti-police rhetoric” behind you. You did it a long time ago. What is he talking about? Then it tells you to keep your promise of affordability. You didn’t need a deputy mayor to tell you that, did you? His excellent advice then extends to the economic field, where he gives more fatherly political advice. He tells you to be fair to all parties. I bet you didn’t know that one, did you? His next piece of advice instead takes the form of a pre-action warning that you must declare – once again – your thoughts on the State of Israel so that the Jews of New York can be confident that you will not treat them differently from other citizens.
Finally, he wishes you good luck and tells you not to blink because he will be watching you. Considering how Mayor Adams has made executive orders and appointed people to his administration with the expressed hope that it will somehow cripple you when you walk into City Hall, his deputy mayor’s advice doesn’t seem too warm and cozy. I suggest you ignore it. You don’t need to act any differently from your predecessors. You will become mayor and we all expect you to act accordingly. Steven Fromewick
Better paid
Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ: To the voice Oleg Samuylin: As far as I know, Brooklyn is still part of New York. Given this, unionized bus drivers do not earn minimum wage. Even if you don’t like Mamdani, check the facts before sending a letter. Robert Stiloski
Get out, buddy
Brooklyn: This just in: a troll made a sexist and ill-informed comment on social media (“Elon criticizes Mamdani’s choice at FDNY,” December 28)! Why is this all-too-common occurrence newsworthy? Just because Elon Musk owns Twitter (I refuse to call him Has Musk not sowed enough discord within the federal government? Seriously, he’s trying to interfere in our local government now? Clearly, this deeply insecure multi-billionaire can’t help but express opinions that no one asked for, from Washington to Europe to New York. But that doesn’t mean The News should allow him to reprint them. As with all bullies, ignore him and he will eventually give up and leave us alone. Catherine Raymond
Let dreams come true
Kearny, NJ: Happy New Year to all Daily News readers. I hope all your dreams come true in 2026! My wish is just to see Joan Lunden’s kids do a commercial for A Place for Mom! Kevin Dale
good wishes
Cibolo, Texas: At the beginning of each year, you receive the first blank page of a 365-page book. Every minute is a word; each week, a paragraph; and each month is a chapter. It’s your book! Write a good one! Make sure you save a few words so you can write those very important last pages of your book if necessary. Remember, when each of you writes your books for 2026, be sure to write in your soul, in your mind and in your heart that every day will be the best day of the new year. The rhymes, prose and verse of 2025 are complete. I hope you have the words to compose a masterpiece for 2026. Happy New Year! John DiGenio
Dishonorable mention
Brooklyn: Regarding “Those We Lost, But Whose Lives Left a Lasting Impact” (Dec. 28): I was shocked, disappointed, and disgusted that you included Charlie Kirk in this list of mostly admired and notable people. It’s a travesty that you’re talking about someone whose true legacy is hateful rhetoric. While the demon Donny and his courtiers hail Kirk as a “martyr for the right,” those of us who are sane and ethical would beg to differ. How can we recognize someone who hated that women had the same rights as men and that black people had the same opportunities as white people? Someone who hated that gays live freely and that there is religious freedom? These are just a few of his documented positions. If you’re sad that he was murdered, that’s fine. I don’t think anyone should be killed for their opinions, but don’t try to pretend he was someone he wasn’t. Suzanne Cassano
Change of location
Charlotte, North Carolina: Now that more and more artists have canceled their scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center following the addition of President Trump’s name to the facility, I’m sure he will fill the open dates with his favorite intellectual entertainment: professional wrestling. What a treat for his many friends and family! They won’t have to wait for the big games on July 4 at the White House. What a country! Ron Turk
A guy standing
Forest Hills: While I agree 100% with voice actor Steven M. Stein’s letter regarding Jimmy Kimmel, I want to remind my fellow readers that another courageous late-night host is speaking out against Trump night after night. That would be Stephen Colbert. The greedy mainstream media canceled Colbert’s show right after he criticized them on air for appeasing Trump to get Trump to approve the Paramount/Skydance merger. Stephen continues to expose Trump – his lies, his cruelty and his corruption – night after night. He doesn’t know if he’ll find another job in entertainment because of his honesty, but that doesn’t stop him. We also owe Colbert a debt of gratitude. Libby Gurgis
An exemplary overview
Garwood, NJ: The letter from voice actor Steven M. Stein was great and worth mentioning. I can appreciate an incisive letter from someone with opposing political beliefs, but all year long on these pages the MAGA crowd has chosen to imitate their leader and spew venom without a hint of insight or wit. Perhaps I missed such an invaluable piece of Trumpian wisdom, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Mike Gordeuk
Predictable betrayal
Manhattan: Trump, obsessed with his hatred of offshore wind, is trying to escape a judge’s ruling that lifted his previous ban on these major energy projects (“Feds Freeze East Coast Wind Projects, Citing ‘Safety,'” Dec. 23). These security concerns are unfounded. Wind projects offer significant benefits, including employing tens of thousands of people and boosting local economies, and these projects have passed rigorous national security review. Using locally produced wind energy improves energy independence, a crucial element of national security. Governor Hochul was foolish to believe she could make a deal with Trump by approving the NESE pipeline in exchange for saving New York’s Empire Wind 1. Trump gets what he wants while New Yorkers are left with an unnecessary pipeline that will damage the water quality of New York Harbor, Staten Island and the Rockaways. Governor, please reverse this dangerous position and keep NESE out of New York. David Wolfson
Good catch
New Hyde Park, LI: One of your recent articles referred to former Giant and pro football announcer Pat Summerall as a former quarterback (“Top Assistant Wiles Disposes of Don in Magazine Story,” Dec. 17). Let’s be clear, Summerall was a placekicker, and a great one. Before joining the Giants, he played for the Chicago Cardinals and, in addition to being their placekicker, he played a tight end role. To my knowledge, he never threw a forward pass during his professional football career. He deserves praise as a player and announcer, but not as a quarterback. Pat, I support you. John Macklin
No value
Bronx: Aaron Glenn must go. He’s a horrible coach for the Jets. He should also take that two-cent goatee with him. Ralph Canzone Sr.
