NEW YORK – Former New York Metropolis Mayor Bill de Blasio is again on the marketing campaign path, this time running for Congress.
CBS2’s Jessica Moore requested him about a couple of latest controversies throughout his first public information convention since leaving workplace.
De Blasio was perched outdoors Metropolis Corridor Monday afternoon, not as mayor, however as a congressional candidate.
“As I look again on my eight years, I say there’s issues I am happy with and issues I may’ve carried out higher,” de Blasio mentioned.
His purpose was to debate the monkeypox outbreak in New York Metropolis, the place we have seen a 300% improve within the variety of circumstances over the previous three weeks. De Blasio known as on officers to drop the 2 dose vaccine routine down to at least one, as he did at first of the COVID pandemic.
“It is not sensible to carry again doses within the midst of a disaster. When extra doses turn into accessible, give the second dose. However do not depart individuals out within the chilly who may’ve gotten the primary dose as a result of we’re clinging to a protocol that does not make sense in the course of the disaster,” de Blasio mentioned.
However Moore had different questions. She requested him if he paid again town the $320,000 taxpayer dollars spent on his security detail throughout his ill-fated presidential run – cash the ethics board says was spent illegally.
“The unique willpower did not have in mind the host of issues that occur on this metropolis, historical past of safety when individuals are concerned in campaigns. That enchantment course of is constant and regardless of the final result, I am going to act on it appropriately,” de Blasio mentioned.
De Blasio was instructed by town Division of Investigation to not launch his congressional marketing campaign till he paid town again, however he did it anyway.
“As a result of it was clear that a number of data had not been taken under consideration, and it was essential to supply that data,” de Blasio mentioned.
De Blasio additionally addressed the latest controversy surrounding the New York City ferry.
“Essentially disagree with it,” he mentioned.
The town comptroller’s audit discovered the de Blasio administration under-reported and falsified the financials of the ferry system, to the tune of $250 million, which claimed town subsidy for every trip was double what the administration reported: Greater than $12 per trip.
“I’ve had many a time after I’ve seen a report from a comptroller and was mystified by their math and that is one other one,” de Blasio mentioned.
As for de Blasio’s one-dose monkeypox vaccine proposal, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams instructed Moore that is already the plan they’re following, and metropolis well being officers aren’t holding again second doses.
