Editorial Page

MICHAEL BLOOMBERG ONE MO’ TIME Okay, don’t grumble and crumble up the paper. Give me a chance to explain why I am endorsing Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Yes, like many of you, I was a bit taken aback by his reneging on his promise to turn aside third terms, but after consultation with several re spected friends—all of whom are on the Bloomberg bandwagon—recognizing the fairly decent job he has done of managing this mess of a city, therefore his experience, I think he’s in a better position to get our communities back on track toward prosperity and well-being. No matter who gets in office, there is always going to be a hue and cry about the poor delivery of services, the seemingly unending potholes, and out-ofcontrol cops, but Bloomberg has had his feet to the fire over the last eight years and I’m of the opinion—with a relentless nudge from the populace—that he will to do the right thing. That he’s tired of his scorched soles. And this formula is applicable to all our elected officials, including President Obama. We must push them to greatness, push them right to the edge of accountability, and make them understand that they serve at the will of the people. No, Bloomberg’s third term is not the Second Coming, but we must admit he’s four times better than Rudolph Giuliani, and, for all the respect and admiration I have for Bill Thompson, I’m not sure he has the will or the determination to rescue us from this economic basement, this fiscal uncertainty. Several of Thompson’s proposals are absolutely enticing, particular his plans for revamping the board of education—now in the complete control of the mayor—and establishing a committee of community watchdogs to keep the schools’ chancellor on the path toward quality education for all the city’s students.

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Thompson is a good comptroller, but is he a good controller? To be sure, by throwing my weight behind Bloomberg it may seem I’m just doing what other supporters feel is inevitable. But my decision is based on Bloomberg’s record and he has lived up to most of his promises, and even when some of the policies he proposed were not realized he demonstrated that his heart was in the right place. Heaven knows what it’ll take to get things rolling fairly and equitably in the city or in the country, for that matter. I don’t believe there’s enough stimulus money available to bail out all of those so desperately in need, including the hundreds of thousands getting pinked slip each month. Here’s my rationale: Let’s put Bloomberg in—and with each passing day that seems to be a forgone conclusion—and then assemble a team of thinkers and activists, to formulate a plan of action to guarantee that health care is delivered to the vast majority, that our transportation system is efficient with reasonable fares, that our schools are safe and productive, and that some measures are taken to deal with any instance of police brutality. Sure, the mayor is our leader, but to a larger extent he is a mere figure head who will only do as much as politically necessary to ensure his next election. If we want our city managed at a high level, then it’s left to us to make this happen. Mayor Bloomberg has the greatest potential to realize our dreams, it is our duty to make these dreams come true, and if he fails, we should hoot him out of office with the same vigor we exercised getting him elected. PRINT THE PAGE...

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May, 2009