I remember the election for mayor back in 1977. I was too young to actually vote . I recall the biggest thing about that election was that there were a lot of people running. Incumbent Abe Beame was unpopular and running for reelection. His opponents included Herman Badillo, Mario Cuomo, Percy Sutton, Ed Koch and Bella Abzug. There were probably a couple more but I can't remember them. The important detail is that Ed Koch was one of the lesser known candidates but won that election. He was the mayor of New York until 1989. The 2021 election for mayor in New York is starting to resemble the 1977 election with about 10 serious candidates listed with the actual list being close to 20.
As of this date (January 11, 2021) I have no intention on voting for mayor. This would mark the first time I ever missed a major election.
I have about four issues I am concerned about and the current candidates haven't really addressed them. In order of importance my issues are:
1. Crime and cops combo: Most people are for one or the other. There is no reason New Yorkers cannot have both. We need a mayor who is not only tough on crime, but one who holds police officers accountable.
2. COVID emergency mode: I need to know what plans the future mayor has for the city during this pandemic.
3. Homelessness: New Yorkers need a mayor with solutions to dealing with the homeless issue.Arresting the homeless is not an answer. Letting them sleep on the subway is not a solution. Dumping them in one or two neighborhoods is no answer.
4. Affordable housing: This almost goes hand in hand with dealing with homelessness.
From what I have read nobody has addressed 1 and 2. For me those are deal breakers, so for the next few weeks my eyes are open. I can and will sit this one out.
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