COMMENTARY | New York City is a place with many people at all levels of social and economic stature. Of course, the vast majority of people fall somewhere in the middle of things, but there are many powerful New Yorkers living and working in politics and entertainment in New York City. Here is a list of the 10 most powerful people in New York City and the vines they swing on as they wield their power.
Mike Bloomberg, mayor, New York City
Apart from being the third-term 108th mayor of New York City, Mike Bloomberg is also the billionaire founder and owner of Bloomberg LP. Mayor Mike is a philanthropist and mover and shaker on many different political and social issues. With more than 11,000 employees in more than 135 offices around the world, Bloomberg is a strong presence in a variety of places. Still, for the mayor, there's no place like home.
Matt Lauer, co-anchor, "TODAY"
Another New Yorker whose face is totally recognizable is Matt Lauer. NBC News "TODAY" co-anchor since January 1997, Matt Lauer has been all over the world and brought plenty of news to America. Fans of "TODAY" recall the "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" series. But even with all that, his post at the desk in Rockefeller Center is where he may be most at home.
Kenneth Cole, fashion designer
An important figure in the fashion industry in Manhattan for going on 30 years now, Kenneth Cole has always pounded pavement in New York. His line of shoes and other fashion accessories make Kenneth Cole a name that many people are familiar with. The fact that his wife is the daughter of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo and sister of current Gov. Andrew Cuomo means that the Cole clan could make the step into the political world. Cole has been a longtime supporter of AIDS awareness and has done much in terms of philanthropy.
Scott Stringer, president, Manhattan Borough
An important local leader on New York City issues, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer has been involved in many battles. Most recently Stringer helped bring about marriage equality for same-sex couples; his participation in the 2011 Pride Parade showed his opinion on the issue. Stringer has also been a forceful proponent of things like eco centers, the health of animals in shelters throughout the five boroughs, immigrant rights, housing, and other local issues.
Derek Jeter, shortstop, New York Yankees
Since first taking the field with the Bronx Bombers in 1995, Derek Jeter has created quite a career for himself. Having just smacked his 3,000th hit and earned World Series rings with the Yankees five times since joining the team, the Yankee captain has definitely asserted himself as a leader for the team. His upstanding behavior on and off the field have made him an upstanding role model for fans everywhere.
Jonathan Benno, chef
Per Se may be the restaurant of Thomas Keller, but his head chef for some 10 years was Jonathan Benno. Benno recently severed his ties with Keller from The French Laundry and Per Se to head the kitchen at Lincoln Center restaurant Lincoln. The menu at Lincoln offers Benno's original takes on traditional dishes. Wherever Benno's been working has been a strong contender in the fine dining circles. Everybody knows you've got to eat. Eating well at places of Benno's makes the task that much more enjoyable.
Ben Brantley, chief theater critic, The New York Times
Every Broadway show that wants to have any amount of success needs a favorable nod from The New York Times. The New York Times chief theater critic since 1996 has been Ben Brantley. In addition to being the galvanization for Broadway shows all over the place, Brantley's also a published author and recipient of the George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism.
Julie Menin, civic leader
One of downtown New York's noteworthy civic leaders, Julie Menin is a vocal commentator on stations CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News Channel, among others. Menin has also appeared on "The Early Show," "TODAY," "Larry King Live," "The O'Reilly Factor," and "Hardball with Chris Matthews" among other programs. Three-time chairperson of NYC Community Board 1, Menin has unanimously and successively been reelected to that post. A strong leader on land use and zoning issues, schools, and other community topics, Julie Menin continues to operate both behind the scenes and speak her mind in full view.
Aerin Lauder, fashion and lifestyle leader
As the granddaughter of Estee Lauder, Aerin Lauder has grown up around fashion. Her tenure as senior vice president and creative director of the company bearing her grandmother's namesake, put Aerin Lauder at the forefront of fashion. Aerin Lauder has decided to break out on her own and is currently in development for a new collection: clothing, housewares, accessories, and jewelry, all inspired by her grandmother's private collection. Get ready to see everyone in America wearing these fashions soon enough.
Justin Timberlake, singer and entertainer
Just because he's a former member of *NSYNC and an aspiring cast member of Saturday Night Live doesn't mean that Justin Timberlake doesn't know how to live. His three-bedroom, three-bath penthouse at SoHo Mews has a wraparound terrace overlooking West Broadway. As a young and powerful celebrity, Timberlake can move in whatever direction he wants. Don't be too surprised if you see Timberlake step into some kind of political/social leadership context at some point in the future.
A child of a couple of Marine brats from Corona, Jesse Schmitt has New York City deeply rooted in his blood. Having lived in different neighborhoods in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn and tasted every corner of the five boroughs possible, Schmitt has an informed New York voice.
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