“When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck.”

— James Whitcomb Riley

Let’s talk about the bitching and moaning about Trump. He’s been around Manhattan with and then without his father since the 1970s — annoying some of us, delighting others. His mentor was his father and then Roy Cohen until he died after too many trips to Studio 54. Cohen delighted some and instilled fear in others — mostly IRS agents.

Trump was successful in real estate, dubious as a casino operator, decent as a hotelier and while not liked by some, especially Democrats, he was a sharp practice businessman. But like it or not, he is a brilliant Machiavellian politician. This is not some “singing the praises” commentary. This is fact. Yes, he had money, he had help, he had connections, but the plan ultimately was his and he worked his ass off. You don’t like it or how he did it, or what he did? Too bad. You think he’s immoral, inhumane, a thief, a con-man, a liar, a psychopath, a dementia patient?

Too bad. You still have to deal with it. Or, change it.

But, meanwhile, let’s look at the state of downtown politics by comparison. Who’s representing SoHo and our needs. No, not the Mayor. Not Adams. There are a few representatives in the Legislature and agencies that represent us and deserve mention.

HPD oversees housing and It’s ineffectual. Buildings Department handles the safety of our infrastructure — and it’s corrupt. Deborah Glick represents us in the Assembly — she doesn’t respond to any complaints and spends her time on re-election — in Greenwich Village. Brian Kavanaugh in the Senate, to my knowledge, has never been seen in SoHo, except at fundraisers or political rallies. Schumer in the U.S. Senate, the Hudson Square BID, the SoHo BID, and the Community Board — don’t respond to any communications. The Community Board is a self-reinforcing, self-perpetuating body of those who make political donations in order to be called “Honorable.” Con Edison treats SoHo as if it’s the Wild West and is wholly owned by Trinity Real Estate.

None of them care that seniors, the disabled and residents are mauled, ignored, damaged and killed due ro the ineffectiveness of the outrageous DOT. Another unresponsive agency seemingly functioning as a cash-cow.

I’ve sent letters, made calls, emailed, written articles. Guess what? No response whatsoever. Even 311 refuses to accept complaints.

You see why Trump is successful? Currently, we are shit on by those who are supposed to be representing us and assisting us — and, it’s just not happening. Our agencies and current crop of politicians are focusing only on perpetuating their existence and have taken us for granted.

Get rid of them and start over.

Hudson Square BID beautifying our communities with no input or response to complaints.