Billionaire businessman John Catsimatidis has voiced strong concerns over the potential election of Democratic Socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in New York City. Catsimatidis, who owns Gristedes, a prominent grocery chain in Manhattan, suggested that if Mamdani wins, he might have to consider closing down or selling the business.
Catsimatidis expressed his worries about Mamdani’s proposal to open government-run supermarkets across the city. “We can’t compete with Mamdani opening city-run supermarkets for free,” Catsimatidis stated, highlighting the challenges private businesses face under proposed socialist policies.
The veteran entrepreneur voiced additional concerns, questioning the practicality of Mamdani’s government-run grocery stores. He raised issues about management, particularly whether these stores would operate with union assistance. “When people start shoplifting, will he even have cops arrest them?” he pondered, alluding to the implications of loosening law enforcement in such establishments.
At 76 years old, Catsimatidis has been a staple in the New York City grocery landscape for decades, running not only Gristedes but also a wide range of other businesses. His experience in the competitive retail environment gives him a unique perspective on the challenges that small businesses may face under progressive policies.
Furthermore, Catsimatidis warned that if corporate taxes in New York City were to rise—as outlined in Mamdani’s campaign agenda—he might be forced to relocate his company’s headquarters out of the state. “We’d probably move our corporate headquarters to New Jersey,” he said, emphasizing the burden that increased taxes could place on businesses and the urgent need for a conducive economic environment.
This situation illustrates larger concerns among business owners about the direction of the city under potential socialist leadership. As companies consider their futures, they question whether they can thrive in an environment where government involvement in the economy increases dramatically.
While the idea of providing more access to affordable groceries may resonate with some voters, the implications for existing businesses are significant. The competition created by government-run stores could decimate small retailers, ultimately leading to fewer choices for consumers and the loss of jobs which are critical to the local economy.
At its core, the debate underscores a fundamental difference between conservative and progressive economic philosophies. Conservatives typically advocate for limited government intervention and believe that businesses thrive in a deregulated, free-market environment. In contrast, progressive candidates like Mamdani propose increased government involvement, which many fear may stifle innovation and entrepreneurship.
The position taken by Catsimatidis is not just about his own business but reflects a broader narrative about the health of New York City’s economy. Businesses need stability and predictability to succeed, and uncertainties around governance can hinder growth. As election day approaches, the choices voters make will have lasting implications, both for the business community and the fabric of everyday life in New York City.
With these potential changes on the horizon, it’s clear that the stakes are high. Business leaders like Catsimatidis are sounding the alarm, asserting that the city’s future prosperity relies on sound economic policies rather than radical shifts that could overhaul the existing system.
In the end, the election will be not only a referendum on leadership but a choice between competing visions for the future of one of America’s most iconic cities. As New Yorkers weigh their options, it is crucial to consider the impacts of their decisions on the economy, jobs, and the way of life for everyone who calls this city home.
