With the June primary quickly approaching, Michael Blake, the former assemblyman and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, sat down with NY1’s Errol Louis for the second installment of his mayoral candidate interview series.

Blake highlighted his multifaceted governmental experience and emphasized the need for a mayor with managerial skills and empathy, particularly in the current political climate. He also shared personal insights on his family, background and faith, and explained how these elements shape his vision for the five boroughs. He also talked about his views on managing immigration enforcement in the city, ensuring timely reimbursements to nonprofits, and the importance of addressing poverty as a moral issue.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

With the June 24 Democratic primary fast approaching, Queens state Sen. Jessica Ramos sat down with NY1’s Errol Louis for the first installment of a series of interviews with the mayoral candidates.

Ramos, who hopes to become the city’s first woman and Latina mayor, focused on key issues such as affordability, housing and mental health. She reflected on her journey from growing up in a working-class Colombian family in Queens to her accomplishments in the state Senate, including helping raise the minimum wage and securing relief funds for excluded workers. Throughout the conversation, Ramos highlighted how her Queens upbringing continues to shape her approach to public service and leadership.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

A combination of economic stagnation, disinvestment and mismanagement of the city’s budget brought New York into a fiscal crisis in 1975 — unlike any it had seen up to that point. The result was shuttered schools and firehouses, mountains of garbage on the streets, and cops being laid off by the thousands. But what happened next is perhaps even more important: the city somehow united to pull itself out of financial and cultural ruin.

The story is told in a new documentary called “Drop Dead City.” The film’s co-directors, Michael Rohatyn and Peter Yost, joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the movie and this infamous moment in our city’s history. The conversation touched on the film’s construction, its soundtrack, and the broader themes of governmental responsibilities and the impact on New Yorkers living through the crisis. They also talked about the co-director’s father, Felix Rohatyn, who was a pivotal figure in the financial recovery.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.