Blakeman Critiques Manhattan’s Homelessness and Crime Issues

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman has expressed serious concerns about conditions in Manhattan, likening it to a “Third World country” due to the presence of homeless camps and littering.

During a recent appearance on WABC Radio’s “Cats Roundtable,” Blakeman stated, “That place is an absolute disaster.” He mentioned conversations with local store owners who are frustrated with the visible homelessness and trash that has overtaken the streets. “It’s everywhere,” he added.

This harsh assessment follows a report revealing that Mayor Zoran Mamdani allowed a homeless encampment to expand near the Intrepid Museum.

Blakeman, who is currently the Nassau County executive, criticized Mamdani for canceling plans to hire additional New York City police officers. He pointed to alarming incidents of violence, remarking, “You just saw a mass shooting in New York City.” Noting that it seems like a Wild West scenario, he argued that it’s concerning when a mayor with a budget larger than Florida’s cannot allocate funds to bolster police presence amid rising crime.

Blakeman also took a jab at his opponent, Governor Kathy Hochul, claiming she leads a state with poor “economic outlook” and asserting that practical-minded Democrats are eager for him to unseat her.

In response, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Segal accused Blakeman of exaggerating the borough’s issues. “What are you talking about? This is a fun summer in Manhattan!” he said, drawing a connection between Blakeman and former President Trump.

“With events like the Knicks games, the World Cup, and everyone’s enthusiasm for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, it’s a vibrant time,” Hoylman-Segal noted, pointing out that crime rates are currently low in Manhattan, making it a safe haven for residents and visitors alike.

He added, “The real disaster is Bruce Blakeman’s campaign, which competes with Donald Trump for the title of most unpopular.”

Ryan Radulowacki, a spokesperson for the Hochul campaign, suggested that Blakeman is out of touch with reality. “While Gov. Hochul is working to lower living costs and support local police, Mr. Blakeman is simply a ‘Forever MAGA’ candidate, aligning with Trump while allowing crime to surge.”

To achieve victory in the upcoming election, Blakeman must navigate a significant voter registration gap and appeal to independent and crossover voters in the predominantly Democratic state where Republicans face a stark disparity of 6 million to 2.8 million in active registrations.