Public Employee Press

Thompson takes off the gloves

After his overwhelming triumph in the Sept. 15 primary election, Democratic candidate Bill Thompson addressed campaign activists at DC 37. He spoke out strongly and promised to be “a mayor for the rest of us – not just the rich.” Supporters angered by the current mayor’s attempt to stretch his reign in City Hall from eight to 12 years frequently broke into enthusiastic chants of “Eight is enough!”

DC 37 has endorsed Bill Thompson for mayor in the Nov. 3 election. On this page are excerpts from his Sept. 15 speech.

I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for mayor, and I am ready to take on Mike Bloomberg!

After eight years of a mayor who has looked out for the rich and powerful, isn’t it time we had a mayor for the rest of us? It’s time for a change, New York! Eight years is enough.

I’m running for mayor because in these tough times, we need a leader who’s on our side, a leader who will move our city forward by ensuring that all New Yorkers prosper.

I’m proud to be the candidate you’ve chosen to lead this fight because — as a lifelong New Yorker — I know we can do better.

I want to talk directly to my Republican opponent. Mike: You told us — over and over again — that overturning term limits would be a “disgrace.” But the fact is, when it was in your interest, you highjacked democracy and overruled the will of the voters. Eight is enough.

You told us you’d fix our education system. But you’ve shut out parents, created test-prep factories, and left our children unprepared for the future.

The mayor’s lies

You told us you’d create jobs. But unemployment here is at a 16-year high. You told us you’d reduce homelessness by two-thirds. But there are more homeless families in our city today than at any time in our history. Eight is enough.

And you promised us a “five-borough economic plan.” Let me tell you about this plan:

You’ve raised our water rates over 98 percent.

You’ve raised our property taxes and our assessments. You’ve raised the sales tax.

You’ve raised parking fines and you’re hitting New Yorkers with almost 10 million tickets every year.

Your appointees on the Rent Guidelines Board have raised rents by 31 percent. And your appointees at the MTA have increased fares over and over again.

Your economic plan is squeezing our middle class right out of town.

But you still refuse to make the wealthy pay their fair share.

It’s no wonder you’re spending up to $200 million dollars on your campaign. You’re trying to manipulate the truth to buy yourself a third term.

So tonight, Mayor Bloomberg, it’s time to stop hiding behind your TV ads and glossy mailings and actually address the voters of this city.

Mike, I have a challenge for you: Let’s debate all across this city — in every borough.

I’m not afraid to tell New Yorkers about my vision for our city. Are you?

Here’s what I can tell the voters:

I’m a proud New Yorker.

I grew up in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, the grandchild of immigrants, and attended public schools. My father, William, served our country in World War II and ended his career as a judge on the state’s second highest court. My late mother, Elaine, served our city as a public school teacher. And I’m so proud that my daughter, Jennifer, is also a devoted public school teacher. Our family tradition is rooted in public service.

Eight years is enough

I have worked for you, the people of New York City, for over three decades, and at every step of the way I have been a champion for the hardworking New Yorkers who are the backbone of our city’s success.

I’ve worked hard to get where I am today, and that’s why I’m fighting to earn your vote — not to buy it.

As mayor, I will be a champion for our middle class and the millions of New Yorkers who have been forgotten by our current mayor.

I will preserve good jobs and create more opportunities, create more affordable housing and fight for tenants, not developers. I will put the public back in public education by involving our parents, respecting our educators, and preparing our children for the 21st century.

I will be a mayor for all New Yorkers—not just the rich.

On November 3rd, with your help, we will show Republican Mike Bloomberg that our city is not for sale. We will show Mike Bloomberg that eight is enough.