Posted on 10/21/2005 11:32:15 PM PDT by indianrightwinger
Bill gives Freddy nod amid static
By MICHAEL SAUL DAILY NEWS CITY HALL BUREAU
Former President Bill Clinton endorsed Democrat Fernando Ferrer's mayoral bid yesterday, but his enthusiasm and his words of praise were a bit muted - literally.
Appearing together in the South Bronx, Clinton noted that Ferrer had endorsed his candidacy for President in 1992, saying he was "glad to be here to return the favor."
In a 130-second address, Clinton mentioned Ferrer's name only once - which might have been a problem if the crowd on Charlotte St. could hear him.
Before Clinton and Ferrer arrived, aides for the two were seen shouting at each other about the event's logistics. Officials had set up a stage and a sound system, but it was quickly dismantled.
A Clinton aide also removed an audio box that allows the media to capture sound. Ultimately, a few members of the media handed their microphones to some children, who were able to record the former President's remarks. The commotion, though, stunned some supporters of the ex-Bronx borough president.
"We're just glad to have Bill Clinton here to tell the story about the phenomenal turnaround in the Bronx and how Freddy Ferrer was a part of it," Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión said. "But, for God's sake, we need some sound to tell the story."
Aides to Clinton and Ferrer downplayed the incident as minor, saying a staffer goofed when he removed the media's sound box. Yet both sides insisted there wasn't supposed to be any amplification at the event.
In his speech, Clinton said "significant housing challenges" persist in the city and "there are still people who have been left behind."
"I believe that Freddy Ferrer is committed to meeting those challenges for the future of all the children of New York without regard to their race, their religion, their income," he said.
"I know that he can deliver because we worked together for eight long years and I saw the progress made here on these streets under his leadership," he concluded.
Meanwhile, the New York City Central Labor Council - an umbrella group representing some 1.5 million union members - backed Mayor Bloomberg's reelection bid.
With David Saltonstall
Clinton this he is too conservative.
You do know that no one from NY is qualified to run for public office there don't you? I mean, look at the Senator, had to import Hill-0-Ree to 'save the state'.
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