News

WNYC NEWSROOM September 13, 2005 —The position is mostly symbolic, but there's a fierce race for the job of Manhattan Borough President.

There are nine Democrats running to replace borough president C. Virginia Fields. Assemblyman Scott Stringer was ahead in a recent poll and has broad support from labor unions. Stringer's also been endorsed by the Working Families Party - which has made phone calls and sent out fliers attacking the candidate who's presumed to be his closest competitor, City Councilwoman Eva Moskowitz. That's prompted Moskowitz - who is running on her record as chair of the council's education committee - to file a complaint with the Campaign Finance Board.

Other candidates include newcomer Brian Ellner, an openly gay lawyer who's run eye-catching television ads that mention his partner and criticize President Bush. And city councilmembers Margarita Lopez and Bill Perkins are running on their respective reputations for community advocacy.

Borough Presidents aren't as powerful they used to be. But they can play a role in zoning and planning because they make appointments to community boards.