Eye On Politics: Bill Thompson 'Very Confident' He'll Be Next NYC Mayor
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Democratic mayoral hopeful Bill Thompson has joined the chorus in calling for fellow candidate Anthony Weiner to drop out of the race amid new sexting allegations.
"I think that the revelations from yesterday were stunning as well as disturbing and the one thing about mayoral elections, they are discussions about the future of the city of New York," Thompson told WCBS 880's Steve Scott. "I think that there is a consensus that is forming across New York that Anthony Weiner should not run and I think it is important for him to put the people of the city of New York first, and not himself. So yes, I would say he should not run."
Thompson called on Weiner to step aside in the WCBS 880 Eye On Politics segment.
Eye On Politics: Bill Thompson
"It is a distraction from a serious conversation across this city about New York's future," said Thompson.
Thompson has been coming in third place in several recent polls, behind Weiner and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. If no candidate receives more than 40 percent of the vote in the primary, a runoff will be held.
Thompson said his call for Weiner to step aside has nothing to do with the polls, or how Weiner dropping out may shake up the race.
"I've never been concerned about the polls. I think that the one thing that I learned and that other people learned is that the polls tend to be very inaccurate," said Thompson.
The former New York City comptroller said his candidacy has hit its stride.
"We're picking up momentum and energy across the city of New York and I'm very confident I'm going to be the next mayor of the city," Thompson said.
The primary is set for Sept. 10. Thompson said as the election nears, voters are beginning to key in on the issues and the candidates.
"People are starting to focus on this election. I think it's important and I've been pushing a message out that talks about the future of New York City, that speaks to the people of New York about affordability, about working- and middle-class New Yorkers, about poor New Yorkers and how they need someone at City Hall who will fight for them," Thompson told Scott.
Thompson said he'd like to see a higher minimum wage for New York City workers, but admitted the chances of passing such legislation are highly unlikely.
On Tuesday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoed two bills from the City Council that are seeking to place greater oversight on the NYPD.
Thompson said while he does not support the City Council measures, he said there has been "misuse and abuse" of the controversial stop-and-frisk program.
"People have been stopped primarily because of who they are and what they look like and that's wrong," said Thompson. "It has helped to create division between the black and Latino communities and the police department and it was unnecessary."
Thompson again said he would not keep Ray Kelly on as NYPD commissioner if he's elected mayor.
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