From left: US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, with owner-operator John Catsimatidis, host Rita Cosby, and former Mets manager Bobby Valentine on the far right. December, 2025. © 77 WABC
(New York, NY) – The week that was in New York City saw bitter cold, fiery rhetoric, and an infamous alleged killer seated at the defendant’s table in Lower Manhattan. And as always, John Catsimatidis stood up and suggested “common sense.” It’s something — as he has often stated — is in short supply.
Speaking at this week’s luncheon for the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation, Catsimatidis thanked NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch for her efforts toward securing New York City’s safety. It came amid controversy for Tisch, as her brother openly railed against Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani — who Benjamin Tisch identified as an “enemy of the Jewish people” — at a charity event. In light of that, the NYPD’s top cop apologized to Mamdani. The two are seemingly preparing to work together, given Tisch the plan is for her to remain commissioner into the start of his term.
It was back in 1988 when the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation or FLEF was founded. Catsimatidis serves as chairman. A lifelong New Yorker, he was there 40 years ago when street crime and general lawlessness plagued the Big Apple. In the years since, under Giuliani and later Bloomberg, things changed. Now, many say they worry about the crime — especially repeat offenders — that make New Yorkers think twice when entering a subway, or going to shop in a store where everything is under lock and key.
“I can take care of myself. We worry about our kids. And grandkids,” Catsimatidis plainly stated while speaking from a podium at the FLEF luncheon. He may have alluded to Mamdani becoming mayor when he said the goal is to ensure quality of life for all New Yorkers — both here in December — and later in January, and February of 2026. Mamdani will be sworn in January 1, 2026.
The mayor-elect has already endured a rocky relationship with the NYPD. He called them racist and homophobic at times in the past, and worked to try and mend those fences while running for mayor. Mamdani was vocal about his support for “defund the police” during the George Floyd riots and uprising of 2020 — but now says he no longer feels that way. Another sticking point is his apparent preference to not prosecute a series of crimes he considers “misdemeanors,” and he has shown support for decriminalizing prostitution. Most recently, Mamdani announced he will put and end to homeless encampment “sweeps.” This was a policy put into place by Mayor Eric Adams, in order to combat the unsightly, foul-smelling, dirty, dangerous, and drug-ridden camps that otherwise endure.
Yet, quality of life, and maintaining the standard we’ve come to expect, is the “most important thing,” Catsimatidis said. Noting the 8.5 million people that call New York home, the billionaire owner-operator of 77 WABC and the Red Apple Group said sadly there’s a lot of mental illness as well. Catsimatidis said while the concern for everyday New Yorkers should therefore be obvious, he also points out the mentally ill “deserve treatment.” He also noted that can’t just be mindlessly waving a “bottle of pills” at patients and hoping that is a solution.
Recidivism, and repeat offenders, are a major problem in New York City. Lawmakers who couched the plans in compassionate reform have seemingly eliminated the concept of being “locked up” for being a “bad guy.” Catsimatidis could hardly contain his bewilderment at the luncheon when noting news reports discussing criminals with 180 previous arrests. “What the heck?” John wondered. “What happened to three strikes and you’re out!?” — to which former Mets manager Bobby Valentine, who was in attendance — must have been nodding.
Shifting the discussion to the topic of bail reform, and limits placed on judges — as well as cops — Catsimatidis deadpanned: “We need to change the laws of New York State.” The assembled crowd immediately applauded that remark. Police officers and the prosecutors they work with know it all better than anybody.
Catsimatidis closed by circling back to his love of New York City. He also mentioned President Donald Trump’s love for the Big Apple. And — given he was seated nearby — Catsimatidis offered up similar thoughts concerning US Attorney for the SDNY Jay Clayton.
All of this discussion and renewed focus is necessary, Catsimatidis said, in order to “make sure New York — the greatest city in the world — stays the greatest city in the world.”
And the huddled masses of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Long Island agree. Give us good cops. Give us safe streets. We’re yearning to be free — and that means feeling safe.
