3.6% is almost exactly the rate of inflation during that time, right?
If so that's not bad at all considering how difficult taping down spending is in NYC.
Has it started growing faster under Bloomberg? That would be your real test.
D
You have to realize Bloomberg is riding on the coattails of Rudy's work as mayor. If Bloomberg inherited the disgusting state of affairs NYC was in under Dinkins - I don't know how he would have handled it.