Vote Again! Runoff Primary Election Today (9/29)

On September 15 none of the candidates for Public Advocate or Comptroller received the 40% of the vote necessary to avoid a runoff election, so round two is today.

For Public Advocate, Brooklyn Councilman Bill de Blasio is running against former Public Advocate Mark Green. Two weeks ago, de Blasio surprised Green by narrowly winning the primary with 34% of the vote. He also picked up the endorsement of Eric Gioia, the third place finisher in the race. Though Hawthorne Street had a split household in the primary (Carrie supported Norman Seigel), we both support de Blasio in the runoff.

For Comptroller, Queens Councilman John Liu is running against Brooklyn Councilman David Yassky. In the primary, John Liu won the primary comfortably but Yassky has picked up the endorsement of third place finisher Melinda Katz, so I expect a closer race today. Once again, Hawthorne Street supports David Yassky.

Turnout for runoff elections is astonishingly low, especially for important but somewhat obscure offices like Public Advocate and Comptroller, so every vote counts. Make your voice heard and drag yourself to the polls tomorrow.

Comments

[P]

The public advocate is obscure?

Huh?

[Charles Star]

Yes, P, obscure. Can you name one thing that Betsy Gotbaum did during her time in office? Can you name three official duties of the Public Advocate?

I'd say one in a thousand can answer one of those questions. One in a million can answer both, and all of them work for Betsy Gotbaum.

[babs]

Unfortunately, both Yassky and Di Blasio have been pro-Atlantic Yards. Yassky actually supported the demolition of PS 133, which was due to be landmarked; as council person for that district he could have saved it. Both candidates have blindly been in favor of any and all development proposals. Much as I'd like to support hometown candidates, these two are bad apples. I'm with Liu and Green, though not exactly thrilled with them either.

[carrie]

The problem with Liu is that he's pretty regressive when it comes to livable streets and transit reform. For instance, he's been an opponent of the new Brooklyn pedestrian plaza and other DOT changes aimed at making NYC streets more pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

[P]

"Yes, P, obscure. Can you name one thing that Betsy Gotbaum did during her time in office?"

Yes. She and her office helps thousands of NYC constituents resolve matters and issues with other NYC government agencies. And they are very effective in helping residents when they encounter red tape, administrative malfeasance and other difficulties. The office adds some grease to the rusty wheels of the city government.

"Can you name three official duties of the Public Advocate?"

Most people can't name the official duties of the mayor. Or the borough President. Or the city council. It's a red herring of a question. The intent of the Public Advocate's office is to act as a sort of inspector general on behalf of the city's residents.

I would say this office is quite important. In comparison to the Borough Presidents', whose role is almost completely ceremonial.

Please note: I do not work for the city or Public Advocate.