Presidential Forum Spearheaded By Mayor De Blasio Canceled In Iowa
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio has scrapped a plan to hold a presidential forum in Iowa.
The mayor was to spearhead an event next month to address issues of income inequality, but on Tuesday, his group the The Progressive Agenda Committee, announced the forum was canceled.
The group said the meeting is no longer necessary because income inequality has already become a main theme of the presidential race. But there are also questions as to how many people had signed up for the forum.
Executive Director Geri Prado said in a statement that the group will instead channel its energy into a plan that promotes "the voices of everyday people to impact candidates, leaders, and elected officials at every level of government."
"It is clear other efforts beyond the previously-planned presidential forum will more effectively advance the cause of fighting income inequality. However, TPAC will continue to work with our leaders at the local, state and federal levels to implement tangible solutions to what is the crisis of our time," the statement said, in part.
Prado said the organization plans to create a new Leadership Council and will continue to work to ensure income inequality remains at the forefront of the presidential race.
"With more than 100 national progressive leaders and groups spanning 20 states, TPAC will continue working hand-in-hand with several other movements, organizations, and leaders to combat income inequality and rebuild America's middle class," Prado said.
