NEW YORK –  Greek-American Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, the alternative to Bill de Blasio in the race for New York City mayor talked to The New York Times about her approach to management, the experiences that would inform her decisions as a manager of city government and her vision for New York City over the next four years.

“Seven years in the Legislature”, she said when asked about her work experience. “I have a good understanding of government, just how it works, what needs to be done to get things accomplished,” Malliotakis added.

“I’ve worked with Governor Cuomo, following what was a crisis situation in my district, with Hurricane Sandy having devastated my district.

“That is real emergency management, crisis management, on-the-job training that I had during the months following Hurricane Sandy.”

Nicole Malliotakis, who has been endorsed by The National Herald, mentioned that she really intends “on bringing in people in my administration who have, not only a passion for a particular area, but have also the capability to implement things,” when asked about how is she going to manage administration’s large group of people. “Management doesn’t necessarily mean the people who are reporting to you. There’s a lot more than that. We utilize volunteers, we utilize interns. That’s important.”

The Greek-American Assemblywoman added that she’s not “someone who’s looking to be a dictator and force things down throats — but instead I want to have the people and the city workers part of the conversation. Of course, at the end of the day, I make the decision because I’m the executive, but I think that it’s important to listen to the opinions of those who are closest to the ground.”

“I bring a new, fresh vision. I am among the new crop of leaders who are taking office, and it’s not just happening here in the United States, it’s happening across the world,” she answered when asked about being the youngest NYC mayor in the century. “It would be good for New York City because I’m going to bring New York City into the 21st century.”

Talking about the homeless problem in the city she said: Look at the disaster that’s been made. When you’re spending nearly double on Department of Homeless Services and the problem’s getting worse. That’s ineffective management. I really feel that they’ve been very lax. I think there needs to be more urgency in transitioning people out of the shelter system.

Read Malliotakis’ full interview to NYT’s David Goodman and William Neuman here.