This chapter paints a lively and detailed picture of the complicated partnership between New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and his powerful Parks Commissioner, Robert Moses, during the turbulent 1930s. Set against the backdrop of New Deal politics and rapid urban change, the narrative explores how their clashing personalities and competing visions shaped the city’s transformation. The story is as much about their personal rivalry as it is about the broader political forces at work.
At the center of the chapter is La Guardia himself, a mayor known for his boundless energy and dramatic leadership style. He threw himself into city affairs, determined to root out corruption and inefficiency wherever he found it. La Guardia’s approach was often aggressive—he slashed city payrolls, cracked down on racketeering (even banning artichokes at one point), and demanded unwavering loyalty from his staff. For most city officials, his force of will was overwhelming. But Robert Moses proved to be a different kind of adversary. Unyielding and shrewd, Moses was one of the few people in city government who could not be bullied or controlled, and their relationship quickly became a focal point of city politics.
The chapter dives into the explosive confrontations that defined their partnership. Their arguments were legendary, filled with shouting, threats of resignation, and even moments that nearly turned physical. Moses often used the threat of quitting as leverage, sometimes forcing La Guardia to back down, though over time the mayor learned to counter these tactics with humor. Their mutual dislike was obvious, even in the nicknames they used for each other, which reflected not just personal animosity but also underlying ethnic tensions. One memorable incident involved the sudden demolition of a popular ferry service between Astoria and Manhattan. Despite public protests and La Guardia’s plea for a delay, Moses pressed ahead, leading to a dramatic showdown where the mayor called in the police to try to stop the demolition. In the end, Moses got his way, showing just how effectively he could outmaneuver even the city’s top official.
Another episode from 1937 highlights the intensity of their clashes. When La Guardia tried to reassign WPA laborers, Moses retaliated by closing playgrounds and removing equipment, sparking outrage among New Yorkers. Yet, for all their fierce disputes, their relationship wasn’t entirely antagonistic. Both men were deeply committed to improving the city, and their combined efforts led to remarkable achievements. Moses’ organizational skills helped turn La Guardia’s ambitious ideas into reality, and despite their frequent battles, they often found ways to reconcile and move forward.
Moses also understood the power of public relations. He played to La Guardia’s love of ceremony and spectacle, organizing grand openings and inspection tours that put the mayor in the spotlight. Events like the unveiling of the Thomas Jefferson Park pool became citywide celebrations, complete with parades and bands, reinforcing the image of a dynamic partnership and helping Moses push his urban projects forward.
A significant source of Moses’ influence was his close relationship with the press, especially The New York Times. Through personal connections and generous hospitality, he secured consistently positive coverage, making him nearly immune to public criticism. Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger, a key figure at the Times and a parks advocate, sometimes nudged Moses to moderate his ambitions, as in the case of preserving Central Park’s green spaces. Still, the paper’s unwavering support largely protected Moses and amplified his authority.
The chapter wraps up by examining the structural advantages that allowed Moses to dominate city planning. With the federal government supplying most of the funding for public works and prioritizing projects that were ready to go, Moses’ control over planning meant that New Deal resources flowed mainly to his initiatives. This sidelined the mayor’s own priorities and reduced local oversight. Moses’ political savvy, patronage networks, and alliances with influential state legislators further cemented his power, enabling him to reshape New York City with little interference from either the mayor or the public.
Ultimately, the chapter offers a compelling look at how personal ambition, political strategy, and institutional change came together to transform New York. Robert Moses emerges as the era’s most powerful and controversial urban planner, while Mayor La Guardia stands out as both his chief rival and, at times, his indispensable partner.