Gregory Heller

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October 29, 2003

The battle over nonpartisan elections turned into a mockery Wednesday, as anti-charter groups protested in Lower Manhattan wearing costumes and mocking Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Anti-charter groups are making fun of the billionaire mayor's plan to eliminate party primaries. As of last week, Mayor Michael Bloomberg had spent $$2 million out of his pocket.

“We millionaires pledge to follow Bloomberg’s doctrine and spend a minimum of $$2 million to change the constitution of New York City,” said a sarcastic “Mayor Bloombucks,” a member of the Working Families Party speaking at City Hall.

Wednesday, the mayor was talking about his new prescription drug plan, but didn't talk about his prescription for victory on Election Day. The mayor refused to rule out running television ads, a day after his aides flatly denied a NY1 report saying the mayor's charter committee has a TV ad ready to hit the airwaves in the final days leading up the election.

“I will report when I report what I have to report,” Bloomberg said. “And if I buy something, and you’re privy to seeing it, you’ll be able to see it at that time.”

What some newspaper readers were seeing Wednesday was a New York Times editorial opposing the mayor's charter plan. The times said the goal of cutting the power of party bosses and increasing turnout was a positive one, but the plan would be ineffective. Even Democratic presidential contender Howard Dean was weighing in on the debate. His campaign has been e-mailing city voters telling them to vote ‘No’ on the mayor's plan.

“Mr. Dean is just ill-informed,” Bloomberg said. “He has to take a look at how government works here in New York City, where the bosses, special interests, have controlled the public’s choice.”

As of last Friday, the mayor's committee has spent $$1.3 million on phone calls and mailings to voters, hoping to persuade them. With TV ads possibly in the mix, the mayor may spend much more.

“He faces a strategic dilemma,” said Baruch college professor Doug Muzzio. “Does he go all out and potentially lose, or does he step back and increase the odds of his losing. I think he’s got to go for it and spend.”

The mayor has far outspent the Democrats. The State Democratic Committee filed last week that it has spent around $$30,000, but many Council members and labor unions are also forking over money for the effort. Still, at this point, both sides have to file with the Board of Elections if they receive any contribution over $$1,000.

According to the Board of Elections, both committees haven't filed any additional money. So whether or not the mayor decides to plop down money for TV time, stay tuned.

--Sandra Endo ]

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