Meaning: This quote by Michael Chertoff, a prominent civil servant, appears to be discussing the allocation of funds to the city of New York in comparison to other cities. The speaker seems to be justifying the amount of money received by New York by comparing it to the average amount received over the prior three years and emphasizing that it was substantially more than any other city. The use of phrases like "in line with the average" and "by a country mile" suggests a strong assertion of the fairness and adequacy of the allocation to New York.

Michael Chertoff is a former United States Secretary of Homeland Security and has served in various high-level government positions, which gives weight to his perspective on the allocation of funds to cities. His statement likely pertains to government funding or aid given to cities for various purposes such as infrastructure development, disaster relief, or other initiatives.

The quote seems to be making a point about the relative allocation of funds to New York compared to other cities. The concept of "the average" is used to justify the amount received by New York, indicating that it falls within the expected range based on previous years. Additionally, the phrase "substantially more, by a country mile, than the money given to any other city" implies that New York received a significantly larger amount compared to other cities.

This quote can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the context in which it was spoken or written. It could be part of a larger discussion about government spending and allocation of resources, or it might be a response to criticism or scrutiny regarding the distribution of funds to New York.

In a broader sense, the quote raises important questions about the allocation of resources and funding in governmental contexts. It prompts consideration of how decisions are made regarding the distribution of funds to different regions or entities and the criteria used to determine the amounts allocated.

The use of the phrase "by a country mile" is particularly noteworthy, as it is an idiomatic expression often used to emphasize a significant distance or difference. In this context, it suggests that the disparity between the funding received by New York and that received by other cities is substantial.

It would be interesting to know the specific context in which this quote was made, as well as the specific funding programs or initiatives being discussed. Understanding the background and specific details would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the allocation of funds to New York and the implications of the speaker's statement.

Overall, the quote by Michael Chertoff presents a perspective on the allocation of funds to New York and raises broader questions about equity, fairness, and transparency in the distribution of government resources. It underscores the importance of examining the rationale and criteria behind funding decisions and considering the implications for different regions and communities.