Blakeman Criticizes Manhattan’s Conditions
During a recent appearance on 77 WABC Radio’s “Cat Roundtable,” Bruce Blakeman, the Republican gubernatorial candidate from New York, referred to Manhattan as a “Third World country” and labeled it a “disaster.”
Blakeman stated, “That place is just a disaster.” He expressed frustration from conversations with local store owners who are troubled by the visible homelessness and litter in the streets, drawing a stark comparison to conditions in underdeveloped nations.
These remarks come amidst growing criticism directed at Mayor Zoran Mamdani (D.N.Y.) regarding the city’s handling of a major homeless encampment located outside the Intrepid Museum.
Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, also claimed that Mamdani has halted plans to hire hundreds of new police officers in the forthcoming city budget. “You saw just over the weekend (July 4th) there were multiple shootings in New York City,” he noted. He described the city’s crime situation as reminiscent of a “Wild West gunfight,” arguing that with a budget larger than Florida’s, the mayor should be able to allocate funds for additional police.
Blakeman further criticized Governor Kathy Hochul, asserting that under her leadership, New York City ranks poorly in economic prospects and claiming that sensible Democrats are hoping for his success in the upcoming election.
In response, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Segal dismissed Blakeman’s statements as entirely inaccurate. “What are you talking about? This is a fun summer in Manhattan!” he said, highlighting the city’s current excitement with events like the World Cup and local festivities.
Hoylman-Segal continued, “With crime at an all-time low in Manhattan, even a suburbanite with a noble heart like Bruce is safe enough to enjoy everything that’s going on here.”
This exchange underscores the stark political rift between urban leaders and suburban officials regarding views on safety and economic health in New York.
Despite the backlash against his remarks, Blakeman maintained his stance, pointing to the city’s homelessness issue as a critical factor behind his comments.
