By Colin Campbell 2:26pm

Shaolin

(Photo: Mirocznik campaign)

Ordained Rabbi Aims to Capture Staten Island Council Seat

For local races, New York City overwhelmingly tilts towards the Democratic Party and there are only a handful of Council campaigns with the potential to be competitive in this November. The race for outgoing GOP Councilman Jimmy Oddo’s seat is likely to be one of them. And, according to a source active in local politics, the Democratic establishment is backing Mendy Mirocznik, a non-practing rabbi and lawyer, for the Staten Island district.

“We’re seeing fewer education dollars, less transportation options, deteriorating roads and there seems to be no relief in sight,” Mr. Mirocznik said in a statement announcing his candidacy yesterday. “Meanwhile, our small-businesses, the economic engine, of our community are struggling to survive – that is not a recipe for recovery. We need an advocate who will reverse this trend and bring real results for Mid-Islanders, and I believe I can do that.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 2/20/12 7:54am

shocker

Councilman Jimmy Oddo

Jimmy Oddo Addresses The Big Controversy

At a Saturday afternoon rally largely dedicated to defending Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm in the face of criminal fundraising allegations, Councilman Jimmy Oddo, who’s also a candidate for Borough President, decided to start his speech with a bang.

“It’s my style to take things heads on, so I want to start by addressing the controversy of the day,” Mr. Oddo began, taking off his jacket to reveal a sweater vest underneath. Read More

By Hunter Walker 2/08/12 1:49pm

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Mayor Bloomberg watching the Mets at Shea Stadium in 2006. (Photo: Getty)

Mayor Bloomberg Doesn’t Want To Buy The Mets

At a press conference this morning, Mayor Michael Bloomberg was asked about Councilman Jimmy Oddo’s suggestion he buy the cash-strapped New York Mets. Mayor Bloomberg laughed off the idea.

“With Jimmy Oddo’s money?” he asked.

Mayor Bloomberg went on to say he has no interest in purchasing the Mets–or any other team for that matter because of the vicious nature of the sports media.

“Look the Mets are fun and I like going, I think Citi Field turned out fine. Why anybody wants to own a sports team, I can’t figure out. If you think the business press is tough, and then you get to the political press, the sports press that’s just really,” Mayor Bloomberg trailed off and let the audience fill in the blanks. Read More

By Hunter Walker 2/03/12 9:25am

Lew's Lament

Lew Fidler and Mets mascot, Mr. Met, in happier times. (Photo: Facebook)

Fantasy Baseball Expert Lew Fidler Bemoans The State of The Mets

Councilman and State Senate hopeful Lew Fidler was a key player in the early days of fantasy baseball, but he’s not happy with the state of his real-life favorite team–The Mets. In the wee hours of this morning, Mr. Fidler posted a note on Facebook lamenting the condition of the Mets heading into the upcoming baseball season.

“The team is going to be DISMAL this year. I lived through and grew up with the miserable yet lovable Mets of the 60′s and have never been so sure of a last place finish in my life,” Mr. Fidler wrote. Read More

By Azi Paybarah 8/04/11 3:59pm

staff

Mayor Bloomberg today appointed Stephen Goldsmith, the nation’s premier expert on innovation in government and the former Mayor of Indianapolis, as Deputy Mayor for Operations. April 30, 2010 (Photo Credit: Edward Reed)

After Quick Departure, Some Question Goldsmith's Role in Bloomberg's Admin

Republican City Councilman Jimmy Oddo is sad to see Deputy Mayor Goldsmith leave the administration.

But he’s not surprised.

“I don’t think he was cast in a position to succeed,” Oddo said, calling from his cell phone after pulling his car over to the side of the road. (He was on his way home to Staten Island to  get softball equipment for tonight’s game against the mayor’s office.)

“I believe a deputy mayor for operations needs to be a tactician,” said Oddo, who called Goldsmith’s replacement, Cas Halloway, “the perfect selection” because “he learned at the knee of Ed Skyler, who was running 4/5 of the city for all intents and purposes.” Read More

By Azi Paybarah 4/24/11 11:27am

suggested reading

Mayor Bloomberg speaks at Kips Bay Showhouse President’s Dinner. April 21, 2011 (Photo Credit: Kristen Artz)

Sunday Reading: Bloomberg Offers Advice, Trump Defends His Votes

Taxes: Don’t raise them on the rich; “deficits matter” says Bloomberg. [FoxNews.com]

Taxes: S&P’s downgrading is a “warning” to America, says Bloomberg. [Glenn Thrush]

Taxes: There’s a bipartisan failure to lead on deficit reduction. [Doug Schoen]

Bloomberg’s Advice: Obama should schmooze GOP; Republicans should drop birthed talk. [Glenn Thrush]

Bloomberg’s Read More