A Time for Dialogue and Examination -- NYC Mayoral Debate

Cago at Harlem Meer in Central Park. No doubt tuned into what will occur at mayoral debate tonight as her future could depend on it.

There is an important mayoral debate to be aired on NY1 tonight.

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All democratic candidates up for next month's mayoral run in the primary will have opportunity to state their positions and goals for New York City.

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Of course, what candidates say when running for political office and what they actually do if elected can be two very different things.

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Some candidates are particularly adept at pandering and posturing to make themselves look good and appear to be what people say they want.

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I say, beware of the candidate who appears to be all things to all people and/or who latches on to the issue of the moment for political opportunity and appeal.

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Also, beware the candidate who is divisive in rhetoric and makes attempt to pit rich against poor, black against white, law enforcement against citizenry or even sex against sex.

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As one who no longer swears allegiance to a particularly political party, but who still holds democratic registration, I will have opportunity to vote in the upcoming democratic primary -- but have yet to decide or commit to a candidate.

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I will therefore watch the debate with great interest and curiosity.

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What I believe are most important to look for in a potential mayor are the senses of integrity, sincerity, vision, commitment, accomplishment, ethics, thoughtfulness and ability to persevere in the face of great challenge and obstacle.

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So far, it has been difficult to find these qualities in measurable supply in the current crop of candidates.

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Some appear to be too wishy washy, and without foundation while others appear like a train wreck waiting to happen.

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As one who has held long belief and commitment to the cause of animal justice, I look for a candidate who appears to be the most open and receptive to examination and response to our current relationship with and treatment of non-human animals.

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Unfortunately, this question is rarely, if ever brought up in political debates.

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One can and should look to the past records and responses of candidates to determine how they voted on animal issues that came before them or any actions they took to advance or block the cause of animal protection.

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There has been much criticism directed towards Christine Quinn for her failures to adequately address issues of animal cruelty and/or protection as Speaker of the City Council.

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Much of the criticism is warranted. 

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But, do we have actual proof that any of the other candidates would be different or better for the cause of animal protection based upon their past records?

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From what I have seen and experienced, we don't.

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Two years ago, when distraught about goose slaughters in NYC, I made many calls to various political leaders and representatives, among them, the Public Advocate's office.

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The response from Bill deBlasio's office and staffer was the most dismissive of any that I personally encountered.

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One can make the argument that as Public Advocate, deBlasio had no power to stop goose slaughters in NYC and one can also point out correctly, that I did not personally speak with the man.

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But, I came away with the unmistakable impression that the holder of this office had little, if any interest in issues of animal cruelty and injustice and did not want to even hear or know about them.

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This was very unlike the experience when calling my city councilperson's office.  Staffers for Dan Garodnick not only listened, but made calls and got back to me to guarantee that geese at Central Park were "safe" from a potential USDA roundup and slaughter.

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I also corresponded with Council Speaker, Quinn a few years ago in email.

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Like deBlasio, Quinn had no direct power to order or stop goose slaughters in NYC.

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Moreover, in email, Quinn resorted to typical political jargon and euphemisms such as "removal" and "euthanized" to refer to goose gassings in NYC -- something that personally frustrated and infuriated me at the time.

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But, to her credit, Quinn did personally respond to every email sent to her on the subject.

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That was a very different experience from the one with deBlasio's office which was entirely dismissive of the issue.

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I realize many animal advocates have jumped on the deBlasio bandwagon as he postures and portends himself to be the most "progressive" candidate in the race for both, humans and animals.

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But, for me, the jury is still out on this question.

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Unfortunately, if going strictly by the Dr. Phil mantra, that "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior" one would have to have doubts on deBlasio's sincerity regarding serious address of animal cruelty issues.

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At least Quinn was willing to personally discuss goose killings in NYC.  

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Dialogue is the first and perhaps most crucial step in recognition and address of any issue affecting humans and animals.

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Yes, I will be rooted to the chair tonight during the mayoral debate and hope that the issue of justice towards animals finally comes up and is thoughtfully and diligently addressed.   -- PCA

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