Former Indy mayor quits NYC job after 14 months

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NEW YORK — New York City Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, a former mayor of Indianapolis, is stepping down after just 14 months in office to pursue opportunities in the private sector, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Thursday.

Bloomberg appointed Caswell F. Holloway, the commissioner of the city’s Department of Environmental Protection, to replace Goldsmith. The position is one of several deputy major posts.

“As New Yorkers, we were extraordinarily lucky to have Steve Goldsmith make our City government more innovative and efficient,” Bloomberg said. “Just as he did at DEP, Cas Holloway is going to jump right in, and build on everything that Steve has been able to accomplish ...”

Goldsmith, 64, said in a statement that he informed the mayor of his decision this week. He did not elaborate on the reasons for his decision or what he planned to do next, but said “this job has been a special opportunity to contribute to the City of New York and further the substantial accomplishments of Mayor Bloomberg.”

Goldsmith called his replacement “a friend and a person who I trust to take over for me, and whose talents are among the most exceptional I have seen in my public career.”

During his short tenure, Goldsmith pushed technology initiatives to improve government efficiency, including a website for residents to submit cost-cutting ideas. He did take a hit and apologized last winter during the crippling snowstorm and public outcry over the city’s slow response.

Goldsmith served two terms as mayor of Indianapolis, where he became known as an expert on urban innovation. During his tenure from 1992 to 1999, he promoted efforts to have private companies take over city services, such as vehicle maintenance and the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

Goldsmith was the Republican nominee for Indiana governor in 1996, but lost to then-Lt. Gov. Frank O’Bannon, a Democrat.

Goldsmith has taught at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He was an adviser in former President George W. Bush’s first campaign in 2000 and also on Bush’s faith-based and nonprofit initiative at the White House.

At a city hall news conference announcing his appointment, Bloomberg credited Goldsmith with reviving downtown Indianapolis while cutting taxes and trimming city government.

AP