WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES NOVEMBER 4, 2021 9
NYC’s #1 Source for Political & Election News
Adams wins mayoral race by large margin
BY MORGAN C. MULLINGS
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
Congratulations are due for the
Brooklyn borough president,
who is now the upcoming mayor
of New York City. Eric Adams (D) is the
mayor-elect, according the Associated
Press, which called the race aft er about
12% of the votes were reported on Nov. 2
just minutes aft er polls closed.
His Republican opponent Curtis Sliwa
was a long shot from the beginning,
but he and his base put up a strong fi ght
at the ballot box. As the polls closed, it
became clear that Adams would certainly
become the second Black mayor
of this city.
As of Wednesday morning, Nov. 3,
Adams secured 66.14% of the vote, according
to unoffi cial results from the
city’s Board of Elections.
A representative from Adams’ campaign
appeared on stage shortly aft er
the AP announcement and shouted,
“We won!” According to NY1, Sliwa conceded
the election around 9:45 p.m. but
was not able to get Adams on the phone.
Earlier on election day, Sliwa started
off the day with a negative polling
experience, the sour icing on the cake
aft er he was injured in a traffi c accident
on Oct. 29. He was denied access to the
Eric Adams addresses attendees after being declared victor at his election
night party. Photo by Andrew Kelly/REUTERS
voting booth until he complied with the
polling place’s rules, including “no pets
allowed.” Sorry, Gizmo.
Adams was in an emotional space
aft er he cast his vote, with several
important realizations weighing on
him: If elected, he would be the second
Black mayor; he would be representing
blue-collar essential workers; and he
would be putting Brooklyn on the map
once again.
Adams’ campaign was dinged by several
credible claims against his dedication
to the borough and his history as
a captain in the NYPD. Just because
he is a Black Democrat does not mean
that he went unscathed during a year
of negative attitudes toward police
— including a successful campaign to
lower the NYPD’s budget. Though he
touted his history of holding his fellow
offi cers accountable and going to court
to protect victims of police brutality, all
while dealing with the trauma of his
own negative experience with police,
his association with the force proved
to be a constant distraction.
His most unique asset during the
race was his veganism and purported
bicycle riding. At one point, he promised
to bike to City Hall during his commute
if he were elected. He also toured
a garden on Eastern Parkway and handpicked
kale for his morning smoothie.
Adams’ strongest support came from
Mayor Bill de Blasio, who practically
ignored all other candidates once the
Democratic primary was decided.
Since July, they have publicly aligned
on the vaccine mandate, but seemed
to diff er on the removal of Gift ed and
Talented programs in schools.
De Blasio tweeted shortly aft er the
announcement, saying, “A graduate
of our public schools. A decorated
NYPD veteran. A brave voice for
justice in our streets. A bold public
servant with Brooklyn spirit and
style. @EricAdamsForNYC embodies
the greatness of our city. He will be an
outstanding mayor. Congratulations,
my friend!”
Lander secures victory in comptroller’s race
BY BEN VERDE
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
Brooklyn Council member Brad Lander offi cially
secured his role as the city’s next comptroller,
cruising to a win with 70% of the vote in the
Nov. 2 general election against Republican long-shot
candidate Daby Carreras.
At an Election Night watch party at Threes Brewing
in Gowanus, Lander thanked supporters and
vowed to carry out his campaign promises of fi ghting
for a more equitable city.
“New Yorkers voted overwhelmingly for a just and
equitable recovery, a thriving city that works for all
neighborhoods, and one that’s more prepared for
crises to come. As New York City’s next comptroller
— our budget watchdog, pension fi duciary and chief
accountability offi cer — I’ll fi ght hard every day to
build that city,” Lander said in a statement.
Lander also used his speech to vow to divest city
pension funds from fossil fuels, bring accountability
Park Slope Councilmember Brad Lander speaks
at his victory party. Photo by Ben Verde
to city agencies and ensure COVID-19 economic aid
was spent equitably in every corner of the city.
“New Yorkers in every single neighborhood can
go to sleep at night knowing they’ve got a New York
City that looks out for them,” he said.
Lander, 52, has represented Park Slope, Carroll
Gardens, Gowanus, Cobble Hill and parts of Kensington
and Borough Park in the City Council since
2010, garnering a reputation as one of the most
far-left elected offi cials in New York City. He ran on
progressive credentials in the crowded primary
race for comptroller with endorsements from Rep.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and The New York Times
editorial board, trouncing other candidates who
emphasized their fi nancial expertise rather than
ideological politics.
The comptroller, otherwise known as the city’s
chief bean counter, is responsible for auditing city
agencies and overseeing the city’s nearly $300 billion
pension fund. Many politicians who hold the post,
including the outgoing Comptroller Scott Stringer
and his two predecessors, John Liu and Will Thompson,
attempt to use it as a launching pad to higher
citywide offi ce.
“I’m deeply grateful for the support of New Yorkers,
and eager to make government work better for all
of us. Let’s get to work,” the incoming bean counter
said.
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