News: POLITICO New York Playbook: Mayoral candidates gear up for first debate — Garcia picks up steam

Thursday, May 13, 2021

POLITICO New York Playbook: Mayoral candidates gear up for first debate — Garcia picks up steam — Plastic straw crackdown

May 13, 2021

By Erin Durkin and Anna Gronewold with Jonathan Custodio

Presented by the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs

Tonight's the big night: the eight major Democratic candidates for mayor will square off in their first official debate.

The debate comes at a time when dynamics in the race have been shifting. After months where Andrew Yang consistently led the field, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams seems to be catching up (though another new poll puts Yang ahead). City Comptroller Scott Stringer, who was considered a leading candidate, has seen most of his organized support collapse after sexual misconduct allegations. Among a host of trailing candidates hoping to break through, Kathryn Garcia is getting a bit of buzz after landing the endorsement of the New York Times this week. And many voters are only now starting to tune into the campaign.

Tonight's stage will be a virtual one , a disappointment for candidates who had been pressing for an in-person debate. Still, the campaigns see more significance in the first televised debate than the million and one Zoom forums they've competed in so far. They've been holding prep sessions to practice questions, and honing ways to target their rivals - with front runners Yang and Adams expected to take the brunt of attacks.

"When the story of this race is written in the history books, this debate is going to be the first thing any New Yorker is going to actually remember," said Joshua Karp, a veteran of Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff's campaign who is working with Shaun Donovan's mayoral campaign on debate prep. Tune in at 7 p.m. on NY1.

IT'S THURSDAY. Got tips, suggestions or thoughts? Let us know ... By email: EDurkin@politico.com and agronewold@politico.com , or on Twitter: @erinmdurkin and @annagronewold

WHERE'S ANDREW? No public schedule yet.

WHERE'S BILL? Holding a media availability.

A message from the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs:

New York's employers are working hard to provide New Yorkers with affordable health care coverage amidst a pandemic, an economic downturn, and rising prescription drug prices. But Albany is considering bills that would strip businesses of tools they rely on to contain costs and ensure access to the medicines employees need. Learn more.

WHAT CITY HALL'S READING

Mayoral candidate Kathryn Garcia picks up steam with New York Times endorsement, by POLITICO's Sally Goldenberg: Kathryn Garcia is on the upswing, and her opponents are responding in kind. In the days following the coveted New York Times endorsement, Team Garcia reported a boost in fundraising for her underdog mayoral campaign and more media interest in a recent press conference on public safety. She appeared on Good Day New York and The Brian Lehrer Show — two regular destinations for Gracie Mansion contenders — to discuss her platform for the office. And, after months of being treated as a worthy but non-threatening opponent, she became the target of criticism from a frontrunner on the trail.

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer will endorse Dianne Morales for mayor, and Morales will endorse Van Bramer for Queens borough president at an event today in Jackson Heights. Van Bramer had been backing City Comptroller Scott Stringer for City Hall, but rescinded his endorsement after sexual misconduct allegations were leveled against Stringer. "Dianne Morales is my first choice to lead this city in a moment where we need a champion for the working class and a visionary to raise us out of this crisis," Van Bramer said. The Council member is mounting a challenge from the left to Borough President Donovan Richards. "Jimmy Van Bramer has been a long-time champion for immigrant and working class families in Queens," Morales said.

— The Working Families Party is asking the city Board of Elections to reconsider booting the majority of its candidates from the ballot for the November general election. The board ruled that 21 candidates — including Brad Lander for comptroller, Jumaane Williams for public advocate and Tiffany Caban for City Council — could not appear on WFP's ballot line because paperwork was signed electronically rather than in person during the coronavirus pandemic. WFP argues that its paperwork was proper under pandemic executive orders, and cites an upstate case where Republicans attempted to toss candidates from the WFP ballot line but their case was thrown out. "The WFP's certificate of acceptance is valid and nothing in the election law prevents the Board of Elections from accepting it," attorney Alexander Rabb writes in a letter to BOE commissioners.

"Andrew Yang apologizes for pro-Israel tweet after criticism from the left," by New York Post's Julia Marsh: "Democratic mayoral contender Andrew Yang backtracked on his support for Israel amid the latest battle in its ongoing conflict with Palestinian militants — after critics on the left, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, blasted his remarks. Yang posted an apology on Twitter Wednesday following a discussion with longtime volunteers who were upset by an earlier post that said he stood with 'the people of Israel who are coming under bombardment attacks, and condemn the Hamas terrorists.'...On Wednesday, he backtracked, saying his volunteers "felt that my tweet was overly simplistic in my treatment of a conflict that has a long and complex history full of tragedies. And they felt it failed to acknowledge the pain and suffering on both sides."

"Why Sexual Misconduct Is Unforgivable but Corruption Is Overlooked," by New York Times' Ginia Bellafante : "A year ago, if you had asked anyone who has spent time around New York City politics who would next become mayor, you were likely to hear that the election of Scott Stringer was more or less assured. Ranked-choice voting would probably favor him. A lifelong public servant, a son of Washington Heights, a wonk, an advocate — fighting for housing justice and climate justice and all the justices — he seemed like a pot roast on a damp night in midwinter: satisfying, if not abundant in memorable flavor. …

"Jean Kim, who volunteered on Mr. Stringer's unsuccessful campaign for public advocate 20 years ago when she was 30, said that during that time, when both were unmarried, Mr. Stringer kissed her and groped her and tried to pressure her into sleeping with him, exploiting his stature in politics, when she wasn't interested. Mr. Stringer, in turn, has denied the allegations, arguing that their involvement had been 'light' and consensual. Ms. Kim and her many vocal allies view the interactions as assault. Whatever the truth, the judgment was swift. Mr. Stringer's eventual defeat began to seem much more of a foregone conclusion, the result of a mind-set among many Democrats, particularly young ones, who regard sexual misdeeds as unparalleled in terms of their severity and demand for obliterating consequence."

— A former staffer for Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams lobbied for at least one company that had business before the office.

" City Council passes bill to stop NYC eateries from offering plastic straws," by New York Post's Sam Raskin: "It's the last straw — well, sort of. The City Council on Wednesday passed legislation that will limit plastic straw use in Big Apple restaurants. The bill, sponsored by Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal (D-Upper West Side), prohibits restaurants and other food service establishment from offering plastic straws to customers — but would mandate eateries keep some plastic straws in stock for people who request them to accommodate New Yorkers with disabilities. The bill also completely bans plastic stirrers."

" STREETS WEEK! Now Mayor Creates 'Open Boulevards' to Bolster Outdoor Dining, Strolling," by Streetsblog's Gersh Kuntzman: "The mayor's 'Open Streets: Restaurant' program has a new name and a broader mission. Mayor de Blasio announced on Wednesday the creation of 'Open Boulevards' — 15 short road segments on which restaurants would not just be able to operate as they have during the pandemic, but become true 'dining destination experiences [with] cultural activities, community-based programming, landscaping and other beautification, and art installations.' 'It takes the concept of open streets and supercharges it,' Hizzoner said, touting the cultural programming. 'This is the kind of thing people will love: all the diversity and energy of New York will be on display on these open boulevards. … There will be places to hang out, picnic tables, for people to gather in a safe, positive way.'"

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WHAT ALBANY'S READING

"New York approves vaccinations of kids aged 12 to 15," by Associated Press's Marina Villeneuve : "Children between the ages of 12 and 15 can get vaccinated in New York effective immediately, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday, after the state's vaccine advisory task force and state health commissioner reviewed safety data. New York City health officials and national pharmacy chain CVS had already said Wednesday that they're prepared to start vaccinating children ages 12 to 15 as early as Thursday, after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory committee formally recommend the Pfizer vaccine for that age group in a Wednesday meeting."

"Cuomo: Sahlen Field seating will be split for vaccinated and unvaccinated fans," by Buffalo News' Aaron Besecker and Stephen T. Watson: "When the first pitch is delivered June 1, Sahlen Field will allocate half of its seats for vaccinated fans, with the other half set aside for unvaccinated individuals, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday at the downtown ballpark. Unvaccinated sections also will require fans to adhere to social distancing requirements, Cuomo said, meaning fewer tickets will be available in this section. Everyone still must wear a mask. Unvaccinated children will be allowed to attend a game and sit in the section for vaccinated fans if they attend with a vaccinated parent. Covid-19 vaccines also will be offered at games at the ballpark, and those who get a shot will receive a free ticket to a Buffalo Bisons game next season."

— More than half of the state's adults have now been fully vaccinated.

— The Mets and Yankees are sticking vaccinated fans in the nosebleed seats.

"New York Poised To Expand Voting Rights As Other States Suppress Them," by WNYC's Brigid Bergin: "Voters across New York State will have the chance to fundamentally expand voting access this fall when two state constitutional amendments appear on the ballot: one would establish same-day voter registration and the other would allow for no-excuse absentee ballots. The November referendums are the final step, according to state law, to amending the constitution. ... Voting-rights advocates said the significance of these proposed constitutional changes was hard to overstate. Since 2015, voters in New York City faced an illegal voter purge that removed more than 200,000 voters from the rolls. By enacting same-day voter registration, many of the problems that typically prevent a person from legally being able to cast a ballot because of registration issues could be eliminated."

"Electric-Vehicle Firms Push for Their Own Dealerships in New York," by Wall Street Journal's Jimmy Vielkind: "Electric-vehicle companies want New York lawmakers to let them open more dealerships in the state, a move that they and environmental groups said would expand sales of emission-free cars and trucks. Representatives of Tesla Inc., Rivian Automotive LLC and Lucid Motors Inc. rallied outside the state Capitol Wednesday with environmental advocates and Democratic legislators as part of a push to change state law so electric-vehicle makers can sell directly to consumers. Tesla currently has five dealerships in and around New York City, but state law prevents other auto makers from direct sales. The five dealerships were grandfathered in before a 2014 state law tightened requirements that vehicles be sold through independently owned dealerships. As a result, New York has lagged behind in the number of electric vehicles sold, according to state Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy, a Democrat from Albany. She sponsors a bill that would remove the cap on dealerships owned by manufacturers and said she hoped it would mean more options for people who live in upstate areas."

#UpstateAmerica: The massive, abandoned and probably asbestos-filled old Central Warehouse in downtown Albany is for sale, and how great would that be for a paintball course or haunted house?

AROUND NEW YORK

— Vincent Schiraldi has been tapped as the new commissioner of the city Department of Correction.

— People flocked to new subway station vaccine sites as they opened on Wednesday.

— A suspect in this weekend's triple shooting in Times Square was arrested in Florida.

— A bill introduced in the City Council would require Airbnb listings to be registered with the city.

— "The Remington gun factory in the Mohawk Valley has reopened eight months after its previous owner closed the plant and laid off hundreds of workers."

— The State Museum, Library and Archives are reopening May 17.

— A "secret" community group is questioning Saratoga City School District's inclusion efforts and berated leadership for allowing Black Lives Matter activists to speak to high school students.

— Charles Barron is vying to win his wife's City Council seat, which he also held before she was elected, but he faces some competition.

— A new bill would require the city to install at least one public bathroom in each zip code.

— A group of parents filed a lawsuit seeking to force schools to let all students attend five days a week.

— An NYPD officer was shot and wounded after approaching a man with a gun in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

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SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Stephen Colbert … NBC's Ken Dilanian … NYT's Mark Mazzetti … former Rep. Chris Gibson (R-N.Y.) … Shaila Manyam of BCW Global … CNN's Brian Fung

ENGAGED — Rebecca Ballhaus, an investigative reporter at the WSJ, and Zach Long, a data scientist, got engaged recently at Rockefeller Park in New York. They met in college at Brown University.

MAKING MOVES — Tiffany Johnston is joining the Real Estate Board of New York as vice president of diversity and inclusion. REBNY has also promoted Basha Gerhards to senior vice president of planning and Zach Steinberg to senior vice president of policy. … Meridith Webster will be EVP for global communications and public affairs at Estée Lauder. She most recently was special assistant to the president and chief of staff to the Domestic Policy Council.

IN MEMORIAM: "Lester Wolff, longtime LI congressman and expert in Asian affairs, dies at 102," Newsday's Matthew Chayes: "Lester Wolff, a retired congressman representing Long Island's North Shore who influenced America's policy in Asia and helped create social programs like Medicare and Medicaid, has died. He was 102, and was the oldest living person to have served in Congress. His death, on Tuesday in Syosset, was confirmed by his son, Bruce Wolff. The centenarian died in the process of going to Syosset Hospital's emergency room from his home in Muttontown, Bruce said. He died of natural causes, and he'd had chronic heart and lung conditions over the past decade. In 1978, he played a pivotal role in helping establish full diplomatic relations between China and the United States by delivering a message to President Jimmy Carter from Deng Xiaoping on his conditions for formal ties: 'Tell Carter to put the Taiwan question aside,' Wolff recalled Deng saying. The U.S. stopped recognizing Taiwan and Sino-Chinese relations were established in 1979. Wolff championed domestic programs, including co-sponsoring legislation that created Medicare, the health insurance for those 65 and older, as well as Medicaid, which extended coverage to the poor."

REAL ESTATE

"New York's rent relief site goes live — without applications," by Real Deal New York's Suzannah Cavanaugh: "It's live: After a month-long wait, information about New York's Emergency Rental Assistance Program appeared on the website for the state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The page includes details on eligibility for the program, benefits and the necessary application materials, but skips a key detail: when the program will actually launch. The site says applications will be accepted 'soon.' The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which runs the program, had previously said applications would open sometime in May."

A message from the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs:

Albany is considering bills that would make it harder for employers to provide prescription drug coverage for over 10 million New Yorkers and would raise prescription drug spending by $2 BILLION in New York in the first year alone. Albany: Don't jeopardize New Yorkers' access to medicines by limiting the tools employers rely on to keep prescription drugs affordable. Learn more.