today's rc

Very good question!

Option 2: "He believes efficiency justifies higher taxation"

1. This suggests efficiency is THE PRIMARY REASON to raise taxes
2. As in: "We should raise taxes BECAUSE we're efficient"
3. Efficiency comes first, then tax increases follow
4. It's like saying, "vote for us, we are efficient, hence, we will increase your taxes"

Option 4: "He considers efficiency necessary to validate tax increases" ✓

1. This suggests tax increases come first (for other reasons), but efficiency is REQUIRED to make them acceptable/legitimate
2. As in: "I want to raise taxes [to fund programs], AND taxpayers need to see their money is spent efficiently"
3. Tax increases need efficiency as a condition, not as the original justification
4. It's like saying, "we really need money to fund XYZ, hence, taxes need to be increased"

The passage explicitly says -> "It can't be the reason you do it in and of itself—it has to be what you deliver with that."

1. "It can't be the reason you do it" = efficiency is NOT the justification for raising taxes (rules out option 2)
2. "it has to be what you deliver with that" = but you MUST demonstrate efficiency alongside the tax increase (supports option 4)

Think of it esse: Mamdani's view: "I want to raise taxes on the top 1%" → [this is for funding purposes] → "AND I want those New Yorkers to see every dollar spent efficiently" → [efficiency validates/legitimizes the increase]

He's not saying "be efficient, therefore we can raise taxes." He's saying "raise taxes, but prove you're spending efficiently to make it acceptable."