After Lhota was calling on his opponent to agree to five stand-off debates – one in each borough – Democratic mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio on Tuesday agreed to participate only in three studio/televised debates.
At a news conference last week, Mr. Lhota said, “I believe it’s very, very important that we have debates in each one of the boroughs. Not only are there citywide issues that need to be talked about. … There are specific issues that need to be covered in Staten Island, and in Queens and in the Bronx and Brooklyn.”
“Three debates is the largest number of debates held in a New York City mayoral general election since 1985,” the de Blasio campaign announcement read.
“New Yorkers deserve a City Hall that thinks about those struggling just to get by instead of only focusing on the rich and the elite. Real, progressive change to this city means more affordable housing, a strengthened relationship between police and the communities they serve, and a tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers to fund universal early education and after-school programs for every child who wants and needs them,” said Bill de Blasio. “I look forward to participating in these debates and presenting this vision for progressive reform directly to the people of New York City.”
Jessica Proud, Lhota Campaign Spokeswoman, called it a ‘joke’ and an insult to the outer-boroughs.
“It is incredibly disappointing that Mr. de Blasio does not appreciate the need to hold debates outside Manhattan when New Yorkers in all five boroughs deserve the chance to learn more about the next mayor,” she said. “Trumpeting their agreement to a single debate beyond what is required by the campaign finance law as historic is a joke. Their strategy of ducking the press and public since winning the nomination will grow weary on New Yorkers who want to see leadership from their next mayor.”
Some called a middle finger to outer-borough voters from a the “Tale of Two Cities” champion.
Do the brainiacs @deBlasioNYC realize that snubbing the outer boroughs on debates in each one hurts their candidate.
— Gerson Borrero (@GersonBorrero) September 24, 2013
3 studio debates agreed to by @deBlasioNYC and all in Manhattan is a flip of the bird to the outer boroughs.
— Gerson Borrero (@GersonBorrero) September 24, 2013
Categories: bill de blasio, joe lhota, NYC Mayor, NYC2013
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