In New York, Scott Baker, a novelist and president of Georgist organization Common Ground, began a petition two years ago for New York state to adopt a land value tax.

WSJ: It's a Lonely Quest for Land-Tax Fans, But, by George, They Press On

Whenever new green regulations are proposed, governments attempt to find common ground between industry and environmentalists.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Cracking down on energy waste

Some activists and politicians say common ground could be found in a broad new campaign to curtail unintended pregnancies, but many anti-abortion leaders have shown little interest in this.

WSJ: Roe v Wade: After 40 years, deep divide is legacy

Now, what remains is find common ground on all those little things that can make or break a new relationship.

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Last week, it broke ground on its new campus, with three residential colleges with their own dining rooms, common rooms and student-activity spaces.

WSJ: Yale-Singapore Venture to Forbid Political Protest

Political observers have long seen Quinn as a centrist, at least for left-leaning New York: a leader with liberal roots who's open to business viewpoints and understands when governing means finding common ground.

WSJ: NY mayoral hopeful would be a first, in 2 ways