Ignore the backhanded advice and just stay true
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 sure doesn’t sound like advice, as he takes pains to declare that he doesn’t agree with your “socialist” agenda.
Next, he calls your appointments “symbolic.” He admonishes you to put your “campaign of anti-police rhetoric behind” you. You did that a long time ago. What’s he talking about? Next, he tells you to keep your promise on affordability. You didn’t need a deputy mayor to tell you that, did ya? His stellar advice then moves to the economy, where he gives more fatherly political advice. He tells you to be fair to all sides. I bet you didn’t know that one, did ya? His next bit of advice is more in the form of a pre-action admonition that you must declare — once again — your thoughts about the state of Israel so Jews in NYC can feel comfortable that you won’t treat them differently than other citizens.
Finally, he wishes you good luck and tells you not to blink because he/they are going to be watching you. Considering how Mayor Adams has been making executive orders and appointing people to his administration with the expressed expectation that it will somehow hamstring you as you enter City Hall, his deputy mayor’s advice doesn’t feel too warm and cozy. I suggest you ignore it. You need not perform any differently than your predecessors. You’ll become mayor, and we all expect you to act like it. Steven Fromewick
Better paid
Avon-by-the-Sea, N.J.: To Voicer Oleg Samuylin: As far as I know, Brooklyn is still part of NYC. Given that, union bus drivers do not make minimum wage. As much as you don’t like Mamdani, fact-check before submitting a letter. Robert Stiloski
Butt out, buddy
Brooklyn: This just in: A troll made an uninformed, sexist comment on social media (“Elon slams Mamdani’s FDNY pick,” Dec. 28)! Why is this all-too-common occurrence newsworthy? Just because Elon Musk owns Twitter (I refuse to call it X), why is the Daily News obligated to amplify his ignorant statements on that platform, such as his irresponsible, fear-baiting comments about Lillian Bonsignore’s selection as FDNY commissioner, with a news story? Didn’t Musk sow enough discord in the federal government? Seriously, he’s trying to butt into our local government now? Clearly, this deeply insecure multibillionaire can’t help spouting opinions no one asked for, from D.C. to Europe to NYC. But that doesn’t mean The News has to enable him by reprinting them. As with all bullies, just ignore him and he will eventually give up and leave us alone. Katherine Raymond
May dreams come true
Kearny, N.J.: Happy New Year to all you Daily News readers. I hope all your dreams come true in 2026! My wish is just to see Joan Lunden’s children do a commercial for A Place for Mom! Kevin Dale
Well wishes
Cibolo, Texas: At the beginning of each year, you are given the first blank page of a 365-page book. Each minute is a word; each week, a paragraph; and each month is a chapter. It is your book! Write a good one! Be sure to save a few words so you can write those all-important back pages to your book if needed. Remember, as each of you write your books for 2026, be sure to write on your souls, in your minds and in your hearts that each day shall be the best day of the new year. The rhymes, prose and verses of 2025 are at an end. I hope you have the words to compose a masterpiece for 2026. Happy New Year! John Di Genio
Dishonorable mention
Brooklyn: Re “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 would mention someone whose hateful rhetoric was his true legacy. While demon spawn Donny and his sycophants hail Kirk as a “martyr for the right,” those of us who are sane and have ethics would beg to differ. How do you acknowledge someone who hated that women have the same rights as men and that Black people have the same opportunities as whites? Someone who hated that gays live freely, and that there is religious freedom? These are only some of his documented positions. If you’re sad that he was murdered, fine. I don’t believe anyone should be killed for their opinions, but don’t try to pretend that he was someone he wasn’t. Susan Cassano
Change of venue
Charlotte, N.C.: Now that more artists have canceled 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: pro wrestling. What a treat for his many friends and family! They won’t have to wait until the big July Fourth matches at the White House. What a country! Ron Turek
Stand-up guy
Forest Hills: While I agree 100% with Voicer Steven M. Stein’s letter regarding Jimmy Kimmel, I want to remind my fellow readers about another brave late-night host who speaks out against Trump night after night. That would be Stephen Colbert. The greedy corporate media canceled Colbert’s show right after he criticized them on-air for appeasing Trump so Trump would approve the Paramount/Skydance merger. Stephen continues to call out Trump — his lies, cruelty and corruption — night after night. He doesn’t know if he’ll get another job in entertainment because of his honesty, but it doesn’t stop him. We owe Colbert a debt of gratitude as well. Libby Gurgis
Exemplary insight
Garwood, N.J.: The letter from Voicer Steven M. Stein was terrific and deserving of mention. I can appreciate an incisive letter from someone of opposing political beliefs, but all year long on these pages, the MAGA crowd chose to emulate their leader and spewed venom with nary a hint of insight or wit. Perhaps I happened to miss some such priceless bit of Trumpian-style wisdom, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Mike Gordeuk
Predictable betrayal
Manhattan: Trump, obsessive in his hatred of offshore wind, is trying to evade a judge’s ruling that unfroze his previous ban on these major energy-producing projects (“Feds freeze E. Coast wind projects, citing ‘security,’ ” Dec. 23). These security concerns are unfounded. Wind projects provide significant benefits, including the employment of tens of thousands of people and a boost to local economies, and these projects passed rigorous national security vetting. Using locally produced wind power enhances energy independence, a crucial component of national security. Gov. Hochul was foolish to believe she could strike a deal with Trump by approving the NESE natural gas 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, L.I.: One of your recent articles referred to former Giant and pro football announcer Pat Summerall as a former quarterback (“Top aide Wiles dumps on Don in mag story,” Dec. 17). Let’s be clear, Summerall was a placekicker, and an excellent one. Prior to joining the Giants, he played for the Chicago Cardinals, and in addition to being their placekicker, he played some tight end. To my knowledge, he never threw a forward pass in his professional football career. He deserves high praise as a player and as an announcer, but not as a quarterback. Pat, I got your back. John Macklin
No value
Bronx: Aaron Glenn has to go. He is a horrible coach for the Jets. He should also take that two-cent goatee with him. Ralph Canzone Sr.
