After months of negative ads and direct attacks against her, the gloves are off. New York City Council speaker and Democratic mayoral hopeful, Christine Quinn blasted her opponents for pandering and for offering empty promises – no real solutions.

In a major speech in East Harlem, Monday morning, Ms. Quinn responded to the critics by presenting her accomplishments of getting things done, while her opponents, without naming names, are all hot air. “This election is not about who can get the most press, or give the most pithy sound bite. It’s not about who can yell the loudest or be the most critical,” she said. “This election is about who has the ability to lead our city – to help the middle class that so desperately wants to continue to raise their families here or grow old here – to feel safe here, to afford to live here. It’s about who understands the problems of the middle class and has the know-how, the energy, the toughness, the vision and the compassion to make a difference and know who you are fighting for.”

In an attempt to boost her personal character, Ms. Quinn said she offers something else the remaining candidates lack: The toughness to lead. “Comprehensive solutions to complicated problems – not 4 year old position papers dusted off for a comeback attempt. The energy and the know how to get real results. And the heart and compassion to know who I am fighting for,” Quinn asserted.

“Like me, my opponents have spent many years in public office. But when you look at their records, there’s a great big hole where results should be. You may not agree with everything I’ve done, but there’s never been a time in my career when I wasn’t getting results for New York, she added. “Talk is cheap. Voters will decide based on actions. The greatest indication of what someone will be able to achieve can be found in what they’ve already accomplished. The record speaks for itself.”

Responding to Ms. Quinn portraying him as a flip flopper, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio released a statement saying, “This election is not a contrast in getting things done — it’s about who you are fighting for.”

Former City Council Member and Democratic Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese agreed with Speaker Quinn that the reamining opponents are particularly unaccomplished. Nonetheless, he took note of her record to get the wrong things done, while his record is one that proves him being the real doer in the race.

“We’ve seen Christine Quinn’s New York: term limits overturned, hospitals and schools closed, and legislation watered down. As the city grew more unaffordable for regular New Yorkers, she rolled out the red carpet for plutocrats. Now, they are repaying her loyalty. From real estate developers alone, she’s accepted more than $1.5 million,’ said Mr. Albanese.

“Speaker Quinn can brag all she wants about getting the wrong things done. But by September, New Yorkers will know who the real doer is in this race. I authored a real living wage bill. I fought to put more police on the streets. I helped usher in term limits. I sponsored campaign finance reform. And I did it all without selling out my principles or my constituents to the highest bidder,” he added.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)