Four Questions with Frank Ricci, Senior Advisor for Real Estate Advocacy
A veteran of nearly 40 years in New York politics and advocacy, Frank Ricci joined Fontas Advisors as Senior Advisor, focused on real estate advocacy and electoral campaign strategy. With Frank’s impressive experience, Fontas Advisors expands its already highly regarded real estate advocacy practice in both Albany and New York City.
It might surprise many to learn that you embarked on your professional journey as a civil engineer. What lessons or skills did you cultivate in that field, and how have they played a pivotal role in your success within government affairs?
The specific engineering degree one pursues may vary, but the analytical mindset developed through engineering education transcends disciplines. Engineers are inherently problem solvers, trained to dissect complex challenges and devise effective solutions. I apply this logical and methodical approach to evaluating proposed laws and regulations and advocacy strategies, critically assessing whether a new law will resolve an existing issue, potentially exacerbate the situation, or ultimately have a negligible impact.
Clear and thoughtful articulation of these possible outcomes is crucial when navigating the intricacies of government decisions, ensuring that we advocate for effective policies that truly serve the public good.
You have successfully managed lobbying campaigns for small property owners for decades. How has the political environment shifted from earlier in your career to the present day?
Property owners are interested in the political landscape shaping their communities. For many small property owners, managing and maintaining their buildings often adds an extra layer to their already busy lives, which typically revolve around regular job commitments. As a result, they find themselves with limited time to engage in the political arena, often resorting to modest financial contributions to support candidates aligned with their interests. Leveraging campaign finance laws at city and state levels offers small property owners a remarkable opportunity to amplify their voices and make a meaningful impact.
Although adapting to this political engagement may require multiple election cycles, the potential for property owners to significantly shape the outcomes of political races in New York City and New York State is immense. They can transform their financial support into genuine political influence with patience and persistence, forging a path toward a more representative governance.
What key political dynamics will shape the outcome of this year's Mayor's race and other races on the ballot?
Everyone’s eyes are on the Mayoral primary election, but I’m much more focused on the Mayoral general election. Eric Adams has taught us a fascinating lesson. Armed with enough name recognition and/or financial resources, a candidate can viably skip the primary altogether. Even Michael Bloomberg, a registered independent had the Republican and Independence line in his final reelection year, 2009. Due to the intricacies of New York City election law, November's General Election could have three Democrats, one Republican, and one Independent facing off for a winner, take all elections that do not include ranked choice voting.
While unlikely, the winner could claim victory with as little as 20.1% of the vote.
What key issues and trends demand readers' attention in the coming 6-12 months, beyond just the elections?
The Charter Revision Commission (CRC) stands poised to elevate the democratic electoral process in New York City significantly. Currently, more than one million registered voters are excluded from party primary elections because they are limited to registered party members. Yet, in most big cities in America, municipal elections are “open primaries” where all candidates face off on the same ballot, and all registered partes, despite their party affiliation can participate. This is the same election format that New York City uses in its “special elections” to fill vacancies in elected offices.
Allowing all registered voters to participate in these critical races, we will ensure that candidates are accountable to the majority, rather than just the extremes within each party. Placing this initiative on the November ballot will empower all voters and represent a truly transformative step forward for our electoral system.