[AUDIO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]
A supporter for Republican mayoral candidate Joe Lhota was blaring questionable anti-Bill de Blasio messages at Mr. Lhota’s campaign stop in Harlem, Monday morning. The truck sound message claimed Democratic rival Bill de Blasio did not believe in God and questioned how he paid for childcare as a Council Member.
The audio and the van was provided and funded by Dany Esquilin, the Chairman of the New York State Puerto Rican Party and a staunch support of Joe Lhota. Mr. Esquilin, who was at the event, told reporters they had five vans and would be spreading the message in 30 neighborhoods in every borough except Staten Island.
Read the full text of the attack message:
“Vote Joe Lhota for mayor. A God fearing man that knows how to run the city for all New Yorkers.”
“Bill de Blasio says he does not believe in churches and he doesn’t believe in God either.”
“Since he’s a classic socialist, he’s helped the Sandinistas and has honeymooned in Cuba.”
“He runs around talking about ‘A Tale of Two Cities,’ but didn’t pay for a babysitter for eight years to take care of his two kids. His staff provided the nanny service while he was the city councilman from Park Slope.”
“He saved $25,000 each year, and that’s why he calls himself a Fiscal Conservative.”
“He says he wants to tax the rich to provide for more pre-k school. But Gov. Cuomo says ‘No way, Jose!’ to that idea because it would kill jobs.”
“He says he wants more affordable housing, but where he lives, it costs over a million dollars to buy an apartment.”
“He wants to empower the criminals by ending Stop-and-Frisk, but he rides around the City with two body guards.”
“On Nov. 5, vote Joe Lhota for jobs, housing and safety for all New York. Tell de Blasio you refuse to drink his Kool-Aid. Vote Joe Lhota for mayor, because it’s the right thing to do.”
Mr. Lhota, who was greeting voters at the corner, told reporters he had no idea who it was or what the message was.
“If I find out who is doing it and making statements like that, they will stop saying it,” mr. Lhota said. “Those are outrageous statements and whoever is doing it, I am going to ask them to stop.”
Asked to respond, Mr. Esquilin said he understands Mr. Lhota for not supporting the content of the ad, but pledged to continue getting out his message. “He’s a candidate, give him a break. He can’t have too man controversies coming out. you can understand that,” he said. “but I am a private citizen. I’m allowed to state my opinion.”
(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
Good for Mr. Esquilin. Sounds like he cares about this city and its future. Joe Lhota may not be a perfect candidate, but Bill De Blasio is a potential disaster for NYC. Please note that Muslim groups and voices are vociferously supporting Bill De B. Not a good indicator. Do not sacrifice principle for politics. The city is in deep enough trouble.