An old name presents a new home for ideas, insight, and a brighter civic conversation.
For those who may be new to us, Citizens Union has spent more than a century as New York’s preeminent nonpartisan, independent good‑government organization — a coalition of New Yorkers from every background and political belief. The mission has always been simple and stubbornly consistent: shine a light on corruption, push for political reform, and champion a government that works for the people it serves.
At the heart of our mission is a core belief: a vibrant democracy depends on an informed electorate. That’s where Searchlight comes in.
I’m Robert A. George, whom you may know from my years at the New York Post, the Daily News, Bloomberg Opinion, or from occasionally popping up on NY1. I’ve spent more years than I care to count writing and talking about all things New York, and I’ve loved every minute of it.
I’m thrilled to be joining Citizens Union Foundation as the editor of Searchlight, a revived forum for sharp policy ideas and civic opinion. I’m truly fortunate to be working with Citizens Union Chairman John Avlon and Executive Director Grace Rauh.
This classic Citizens Union brand first launched in 1911, as a way to keep New Yorkers informed about their government. Its robust history includes radio and TV programs, voting and issue guides, and, under a different name, its spirit lived on in recent years through the beloved online journal Gotham Gazette. This latest chapter in Searchlight’s bright history will be a place where ideas matter, where solutions get a fair hearing, and where New Yorkers can engage with the issues shaping our city and state.
And what better moment to relaunch? With a primary season full of competitive races, we’re kicking things off with an excellent lineup of candidates from key congressional races and the state comptroller contest (for more, refer to the accompanying “Big Ideas” column and the assorted names nearby).
But this is just the beginning.
Going forward, expect a wide range of voices — policymakers, academics, advocates, elected officials — all offering thoughtful, innovative takes on how the Empire State and the Big Apple can continue to grow, adapt, and revitalize themselves in some daunting times.
And because Searchlight is meant to be a conversation, not a monologue, I’d love to hear from you. Tell me what’s working, what’s not, and what deserves more attention. You can reach me anytime at rgeorge@citizensunionfoundation.org. To guarantee that you’ll get updates on what we’re publishing and what we’re seeing in the broad landscape, please click right here to make sure that our newsletter reaches you on a weekly basis.
I’m delighted to have you with us as we launch this new adventure.
Robert A. George
Editor, Searchlight