As New York City gears up for a pivotal mayoral election, Trudy Stern takes a step back from campaign noise to focus on the system itself: how local and state government actually works. With Assemblyman David Weprin as her guest, this episode unpacks the structure and function of state and city government, from the role of the mayor and city council to the power dynamics between Albany and local officials. Who’s really responsible for policing, schools, and taxes? How much influence do campaign promises actually carry? With decades of experience at both the city and state level, Weprin provides a rare inside look at the machinery behind the headlines—arming voters with the truth they need before they head to the polls.