Less than two weeks ago, the communications team for Newark, NJ Mayor Cory Booker (D) was thrown into crisis mode when an unknown toxin caused the evacuation of residents from one of the city's buildings. According to news reports, about 40 people were hospitalized.

The building evacuation was an immediate problem for a city - the largest in the state - that has a number of long-term issues, including public safety and economic development.

More generally, the city ...