A new poll shows that Rudy Giuliani has pulled into the frontrunner position for the Republican nomination for President. Thus, it is worth looking at his fiscal performance as New York City Mayor (1994 through 2001).
A good source of data are the Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports issued by the city’s comptroller. See the CAFR for fiscal 2002, which contains 10 years of historical data.
Total NYC general fund expenditures.
1994: $31.3 billion
2001: $40.2 billion
representing a 3.6 percent average growth rate.
NYC Outstanding General Obligation Bonds.
1994: $22.9 billion
2001: $26.8 billion
representing a 2.3 percent average growth rate.
The data suggest that Giuliani exerted reasonable fiscal control, particularly in comparison to prior NYC mayors, or President Bush. For example, NYC debt more than doubled in the five years prior to Giuliani entering office. But more analysis needs to be done.
