Darlings, I’ve always believed that if you’re going to raise taxes on wealthy people, the very least you can do is serve them something lovely while explaining why they should pay more.
Preferably champagne. Very expensive champagne.
Which brings us to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who is reportedly planning a fundraiser at Manhattan’s legendary Dakota apartment building, where the guest of honor won’t be the only thing worth a fortune.
The gathering is being hosted in a $10.8 million apartment owned by Democratic donor and cardboard-industry millionaire Dennis Mehiel and his wife, Karen.
Yes, cardboard.
Apparently, darling, there really is a fortune to be made in boxes. Particularly when you’ve successfully climbed out of one and into one of Manhattan’s most exclusive addresses.
Now, here’s where things get delicious.
Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have championed a controversial pied-à-terre tax targeting expensive second homes belonging to people whose primary residences are outside the city.
The idea is to collect more money from wealthy property owners to help pay New York City’s bills.
And where does our governor go courting political contributions?
To the Dakota, one of the most celebrated luxury apartment buildings in America, whose residents include the very sort of well-heeled property owners caught up in the debate.
But, darlings, the apartment’s price isn’t even my favorite detail.
It seems Mr. Mehiel has quite a history with this particular establishment.
He once tried to buy an apartment in the Dakota back in 2002 and was rejected by the notoriously selective cooperative board. Reports at the time of his eventual acceptance said a political gathering he had hosted while renting there had exceeded the building’s capacity.
Imagine having enough money to buy your way into one of New York’s most prestigious buildings, only to discover the neighbors weren’t quite ready to let you in.
Twenty years later, in 2022, Mehiel and his wife finally purchased their $10.8 million apartment.
And now the political fundraising is back!
Meanwhile, the city’s luxury second-home tax has produced headaches of its own. Thousands of property owners have challenged their tax bills or sought exemptions, leaving officials sorting through an increasingly complicated collection effort.
One does wonder what the conversation will be like when the governor arrives at the Dakota.
“Darling, so lovely to see you! Do have another canapé. And while I’ve got you, about that tax bill…”
Of course, the fundraiser itself isn’t evidence of anything improper. Wealthy donors have hosted politicians for generations. But the social choreography here is simply exquisite.
A governor supporting higher taxes on luxury second homes, holding out the campaign collection plate in a $10.8 million apartment, hosted by a millionaire who spent two decades getting through the front door.
Money may not buy happiness, darlings.
But apparently it can buy a splendid apartment, a very interesting guest list, and a rather awkward conversation about taxes.
Meet the Duchess of Dirt
A dear friend of Bo’s and a longtime Palm Beacher, the Duchess has impeccable taste, a wicked sense of humor, and a finely tuned nose for scandal, hypocrisy, and other people’s expensive mistakes. She has little patience for pompous politicians, wasteful spending, or people who preach one thing while practicing another. Armed with sharp instincts, sharper wit, and her signature diamond-studded shovel, she delights in digging up the stories others would rather keep buried. Because, darling, there’s nothing wrong with having money. It’s what fools do with it that makes life so entertaining.
