Some outside influence might balance this race
Astoria: Sometimes, Republicans have to bite the bullet and do what is best for the people. Just take the example of the 1990 U.S. Senate election in Louisiana. The candidates were incumbent Democratic Sen. J. Bennett Johnston, Republican challenger Ben Bagert, and a third candidate, Republican David Duke, a former Grand Wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.
Louisiana has a “jungle primary” in which all candidates, regardless of party, run against each other in a primary; if no candidate receives 50% of the vote, the top two finishers advance to a run-off election. National and state Republicans were afraid of a run-off between Johnston and Duke and quietly persuaded Bagert to drop out of the race. Bagert’s exit consolidated Republican support behind Johnston, who won the primary by a decisive margin, denying Duke a run-off, as anything could happen in a three-way race.
The same scenario holds true in the New York City mayoral election. With Mayor Adams out, national and state Republicans need to gently persuade Curtis Sliwa to end his campaign so Andrew Cuomo can defeat Zohran Mamdani and prevent his extremist socialist policies from ruining the Big Apple. The national Republican Party had the foresight to prevent a disaster in Louisiana in 1990. Let’s hope they can quietly prevent a disaster in NYC in 2025 by persuading Sliwa to drop out, as his poll numbers are low and he stands no chance of winning. Cuomo may be a liberal Democrat, but he is the best chance to save the city from the catastrophic tidal wave called Mamdani. President Trump must weigh in to do what is best for the people of his home city. Kyung Park
Waste of attention
Bronx: Why is power-hungry, party-switching Cuomo the continuing focus of the mayoral race — to the detriment of Sliwa, a legitimate Republican candidate? Old-school, corporate-backed, scandal-scarred Cuomo is getting too much ink. Sliwa has received limited attention and continues to be marginalized. Newspapers have downplayed him in what should be a two-man race. But Cuomo, likely to be trounced again by Mamdani in November, doesn’t have the grace to withdraw and allow a one-on-one race between Mamdani and a viable Sliwa. Fred Smith
No bueno
High Bridge, N.J.: Hey, New Yorkers, are you serious about Mamdani? A modern-day Fidel Castro — namely, rob from the rich, give to the poor — until eventually, everybody is poor. They say that people get the government they deserve. But Cuba? I don’t think so. Smell the coffee, wake up. Do the right thing for your city and the country. Sliwa’s not perfect, but Jesus isn’t coming back, per the latest reports. Dennis Ferrere
Slim pickings
Valhalla, N.Y.: Race for NYC mayor: Adams, innocent until proven guilty, brought numerous of his cronies to his administration! Some were caught! He had to know some of them were corrupt. Cuomo — sexual harassment and he resigned in disgrace! Sliwa — Guardian Angel. His history says you can’t believe him! Mamdani — democratic socialist! He’s not sure what he’s for! Race for N.J. governor: Mikie Sherrill — “It might cost an arm and a leg, but if they’re a good person, they’ll pay it”! What if good people don’t have an arm and a leg to spend? Jack Ciattarelli — tax everything 10%! Is he kidding? Isn’t it amazing that with almost 17 million people in NYC and N.J., they can’t come up with better candidates than what’s being presented? Scary! Michael Grisanti
Somber occasion
Bronx: The Oct. 3 issue of The News mentions that Jews “celebrate” Yom Kippur (“NYPD on alert after killings in Manchester“). It is a fast day and is not celebrated. A better description would be that Jews observe Yom Kippur. Arye Barkai
Out with the old
Brooklyn: Autumn is here. Soon, neighborhoods throughout the city begin to have their peace and quiet interrupted by cacophonies of noisy, smoke-billowing gas-powered leaf blowers and other landscaping equipment. But these dirty and loud pieces of lawn equipment are more than a nuisance — they also put our health and environment at risk. These little devices pack a huge punch when it comes to air pollution. It’s estimated that gas-powered lawn equipment in the state produces global warming pollution equal to more than 300,000 cars annually! Quiet, clean, electric-powered alternatives exist for most lawn equipment. States across the country are creating programs to incentivize the use of this cleaner lawn equipment, and now is the time for New York to follow suit. New Yorkers should urge Gov. Hochul to create and fund a statewide program to help landscaping companies, school districts and governments transition to electric lawn equipment. Jana Bergere, program coordinator, NYPIRG
Fevered pitching
East Meadow, L.I.: As a long-time Yankees fan, I’d like to thank Aaron Boone for letting rookie Cam Schlittler come out and pitch the eighth inning in game three of the Wild Card series. It was beyond exciting. Jeff Tuck
Lock up & treat
Camden, N.J.: We all awaited sentencing day for Sean Combs’ alleged promiscuousness. We have seen him in his best of times, and now we are witnessing him in his worst. Will the prison system fail us again? I sure hope not. Incarcerated, he should receive much-needed services for mental health. Prison should serve as a correctional facility for reform. If that would be the case, prison is the best place for P. Diddy. That way, taxpayers would get their money’s worth. Wayne E. Williams
Bipartisan issue
Staten Island: To Voicer Gerald Browne: I agree with what you wrote about term limits. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that Congress will vote to put themselves out of office. What you failed to mention is that Democrats Maxine Waters, Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders actually have about 100 years in office between them. In addition, Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi together served almost 90 years in office. Do you really think it’s only the Republicans? Wake up and stop looking at the other party. Last but not least, I do not vote a party line. Thomas Bell
A few more examples
Belle Harbor: To Voicer Gerald Browne: You call for congressional term limits — with Republican Sens. Chuck Grassley, Susan Collins and Lindsey Graham pictured, whose Senate terms began in 1981, 1997 and 2003, respectively — stating that Republicans in Congress have made their service a “lifetime occupation.” Do you also object to the length of service of the following Democratic senators, listed with the beginnings of their terms: Patty Murray (’93), Ron Wyden (’96), Dick Durbin (’97), Jack Reed (’97) and Chuck Schumer (’99)? Or is it only Republican senators you think should be term-limited out, Mr. Browne? Bobby Nelsen
Mass effects
Manhattan: Somebody wash JD Vance’s mouth out with soap, and the rest of the Republican liars’ as well. It’s American citizens whose health care Trump and the GOP are axing, and that Democrats are fighting to save. Billionaires getting massive Republican tax breaks don’t need health insurance, but we do. If Congress doesn’t act to renew ACA tax credits, 4 million Americans will be booted from their plans and 24 million will find their premiums doubled. I’ll bet non-ACA plan costs will rise as well. While Trump and the GOP blame Democrats for the shutdown, look at how he’s been shutting down our government, closing agencies, doing mass firings and illegally withholding funds for everything from critical research to education. The Democrats must not give in. He’s weaker than he’d like you to think, and unpopular already. Who’s going to like him once they can’t afford to see a doctor? Kellye Rowland
No confidence?
Howard Beach: If Trump is so keen on bringing troops into New York, the next time he comes into the city, the NYPD should go about their business and leave him to his own devices. George Martin
Gone too young
Hallandale Beach, Fla.: I am terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing. Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered. His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others. He was kind, courteous and enthusiastic — always displaying a love for his family, Ravens teammates and friends. I send my deepest condolences to the Jones family and all who loved Arthur. Paul Bacon
