Well, the guy has been on the scene since the 1960’s. Are you a young person? Maybe you don’t know his history since he’s been out of office.
In New York City politics, he’s a macher. He can be unbelieveably stupid and annoying but then he turns around and does something smart. Luckily, this is one of them.
I know him quite well. Just because someone has a long history, doesn’t make him prominent. Perhaps I am confusing prominent with relevant. But, you’re right.....every once in a while he does indeed do something smart.