Marty: Will He or Won't He?
An article in today’s Daily News examines whether Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is going to run for mayor and, if he does throw his hat in the ring, how he might fare in the race. Markowitz has raised around $750,000 and is going to start meeting with Brooklyn politicians about the possible run over…
An article in today’s Daily News examines whether Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is going to run for mayor and, if he does throw his hat in the ring, how he might fare in the race. Markowitz has raised around $750,000 and is going to start meeting with Brooklyn politicians about the possible run over the next few weeks, according to the article. Some critics say that Marty would have a tough time campaigning for citywide office since he’s so closely linked to Brooklyn and that the borough president’s rep as Brooklyn’s cheerleader will turn off voters looking for a candidate with more gravitas. “I am somewhat comical. That’s who I am, says Marty in response to charges that his persona isn’t serious enough. I’m not going to deny that and I’m not going to change if I seek this office. ” Political strategist Norman Adler says that if Markowitz does decide to run, it won’t be a shot in the dark for him. He’s been around too long for that.” Think he’ll go for it?
Markowitz Mayoral Bid Could be Tough [NY Daily News]
Photo by threecee.
“Borough president is a figurehead and nothing more – Yet another example of NYC Bureaucracy creating positions and line items in a budget that are wholly unnecessary and wasteful.”
The borough presidents used to have quite a bit of power, but they lost it when the Board of Estimate was abolished in 1989. While it might have streamlined things to eliminate the borough presidents then (and the City Council President who was converted to Public Advocate), they can still be useful for handling community issues, advocating for the borough, etc. (Whether you feel Marty has done a good job at this or not is up to you.)
And borough presidents running for mayor is nothing new. Manhattan BEEP Ruth Messinger ran against Rudy in ’97, Bronx BEEP Fernando Ferrer in ’01 (and again in ’05, though not as an incumbent) and Messigner’s successor, Virgina Fields, sought the nomination in ’05.
As for the original question: Yes, I think Marty will run, but I don’t think he’ll win.
I used to think Marty was a harmless comical mascot/figurehead until AY. Fortunately, he’s not a viable candidate.
“I’ll meet you half-way, 12:18. What you say is largely true, but Marty did much more than wave his pom-poms.”
Such as?
I’ll meet you half-way, 12:18. What you say is largely true, but Marty did much more than wave his pom-poms.
“However, Marty did have a major role in a couple of the projects listed in your post; the Red Hook cruise ship terminal”
No, that’s not true,either. Marty certainly cheered on the project, but he had little to do with it happening in Brooklyn, or at all. The deal to create the Brooklyn facility, which had been discussed for years, was made between the largest cruise lines and the city’s Economic Development Corp. The project was rushed forward by NYC after New Jersey teamed up with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to develop the Cape Liberty cruise facility in Bayonne, right in NYC’s back yard.
Marty is toast. the only way he wins in mayoral election is if it’s an eating contest. the guy is full of bologna!
Last year my block sought the assistance of Markowitz’ office fighting a large landowner in our neighborhood that had failed to maintain a property to the detriment of the entire area for many years, encouraging drug sales on the property, hanging out, etc. The response from Markowitz’ office? It sided with the property owner and parroted its position (that it couldn’t afford to do anything about the situation). Then we contacted Letitia James’ office and got immediate assistance and ongoing representation in the matter, with excellent results to date. Next time, we won’t waste our time asking Markowitz’ office for help.
If this shill ends up mayor, I am moving to LA.
Exactly. Thank you, Marty’s campaign manager at 10:59! Nice way to spin it.