Scocca

Annals of Anonymity: Please Don’t Tell My Boss, the New Mayor, How Much I Admire His Work Ethic

Ian Urbina of the New York Times files a report from Washington today to introduce readers to the city’s new Democratic mayoral nominee —hence, mayor-elect—Vincent Gray. Here’s what Urbina learned about Gray, who currently serves as council chairman:

Mr. Gray’s staff members, none of whom would allow themselves to be quoted by name, say he is often the first in the office and the last to leave. They described him as even-keeled, private, and deliberative.

What’s the reason for granting anonymity here? Because the Talmud advises that acts of charity should be done in secret? Maybe in addition to being hard-working, Gray is so modest and ethical that he would never promote a staffer who had previously praised him in public.