Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly and ex-Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey announced the formation of a bipartisan group, “Save Our City,” aimed at addressing New York City’s escalating issues ahead of the 2025 mayoral elections. This new organization, composed of prominent civic leaders and business people, seeks to restore public safety, protect city services, and engage New Yorkers in the fight against the city’s ongoing challenges.
When asked for a comment, John Burnett, managing director and founder of 1 Empire Group as well as a founding member of Save Our City, told New York Voice News, “New Yorkers adore their respective boroughs but love our city. Which is why they hate to see our city in decline and void of visionary leadership in city hall. Hence, it is up to the people—Democrats, Independents, and Republicans—to unite to create a bipartisan policy platform to restore our districts and Save Our City.”
The group’s core mission focuses on reversing the exodus of businesses and taxpayers from the city, reducing crime, and improving public order. Kelly stated, “New York City is in trouble, and ‘Save Our City’ can help get it back on track.” McCaughey added that New Yorkers prioritize safety and quality of life over political ideology, emphasizing that public safety and education should come before partisan agendas.
One of the key aspects of Save Our City’s efforts is encouraging civic participation. The organization points out that only 12.8% of registered voters participated in the 2023 City Council elections. By fostering public engagement, they hope to encourage higher voter turnout and empower citizens to take back their city. McCaughey stressed, “We have to mobilize New Yorkers to save our city. We can’t just let the city collapse.”
The Save Our City website invites citizens to share their concerns and get involved in addressing issues like crime, education, and budget deficits. The initiative offers a platform for concerned New Yorkers to voice their frustrations and propose solutions. The group’s message is clear: the problems of declining public safety, increasing taxes, and budget mismanagement are solvable
In addition to voter engagement, the organization aims to restore civil order, enforce stronger crime deterrence policies, and support law enforcement cooperation with federal authorities. According to their mission statement, Save Our City also aims to protect and defend essential city services without increasing taxes.
As the city grapples with political and fiscal uncertainty, the group’s goal is to create solutions through citizen involvement and common-sense policies. Save Our City emphasizes that New York can survive and thrive if its residents work together.
