You’re posting this 14 year old article, why?
It's been 25 years, but why quibble?
Rudy was the only other politician I can recall who said what he was going to do, and then went ahead and did it.
I think it was to allow us to compare it with the succeeding post from the present, and the difference between a real mayor and a Leninist. Just my guess.
Patience is a virtue.