text: did new yorkers like mayor rudolph guiliani? and if so, why? i am a born&raised new yorker, and, even after i relocated to florida, i still considered rudy to be one of the best mayors anywhere, even before 9/11. he had a way of cutting through the bs and helping to get the city back on track. during the 9/11 aftermath, he was the glue that held nyc together. i don't agree with his politics these days, but i will always be grateful for the leadership he showed in those very dark days.