THREE MAYORAL CANDIDATES AT CNYC's ANNUAL MEETING

Three of the four announced Democratic candidates for Mayor accepted CNYC's invitation to address the CNYC Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 8, 2001. Peter F. Vallone, Fernando Ferrer and Alan Hevesi each present their qualifications and their key ideas and then answered a broad range of questions from the representatives of CNYC member cooperatives and condominiums who filled the room.

City Council Speaker Vallone has been a leader in ensuring the property tax abatements for homeowners in cooperatives and condominiums which began in fiscal 1997 and which will sunset on June 30, 2001. Mr. Vallone announced his 'Pathway to Equity' proposal to deepen the property tax abatement as well as extending it. Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer also noted that homeowners in cooperatives and condominiums continue to pay far more than their fair share of property taxes, and he pledged support for protecting board members from criminal liability as they act in good faith to run their buildings. Mr. Ferrer told of the tough and controversial decisions that he has made to help improve the quality of life in the Bronx during his tenure. Comptroller Alan Hevesi spoke of the importance of preserving and expanding achievements of the present administration, including the nationally recognized methods which have greatly reduced crime in our city and insightful initiatives which have brought new job opportunities here. He identified schools as being among the major new issues upon which the next mayor must focus.

Questions from the floor helped the candidates showcase their own extensive familiarity with key issues in the city. School safety and quality of education; water costs, quality, and the EPA mandate for filtration of certain reservoirs; preservation of community gardens and city schools were high priorities for the audience. All present were pleased at this opportunity to learn more about the views, the past accomplishments, the future goals and the personalities of three important candidates for Mayor of the City of New York.