Staten Island Borough President – General Election 2013

Louis Liedy is a retired school teacher who is running for office for the first time. He has been involved in politics in the past while serving as a delegate to the teachers’ union and as President of the North Shore Democratic Club. Liedy is concerned about overdevelopment on Staten Island and notes that it has become increasingly developed over the years. Even with these concerns he supports the proposals to develop the North Shore, including the ferris wheel and outlet malls, believing it will attract tourists and bring in money to Staten Island. Liedy believes an inventory of tax exempt properties on the Island should be developed along with the amount of unpaid taxes. Under his plan, the city would buy these properties from private entities when they want to sell, and then conduct hearings to ensure the public has a say in how they are used. Liedy also wants to tackle education issues. He believes the Chancellor should be appointed by the Mayor, but ought to have experience in the classroom. Liedy is concerned mayoral control has resulted in instruction that is overly focused on teaching to the test. On reform issues, Liedy would hold more hearings on land use decisions, put borough presidents’ discretionary capital funding online, and implement term limits for community boards. He would solicit resumes for borough president appointments rather than filling them through patronage, and would serve himself on many of the boards the borough president makes appointments to. Citizens Union believes Liedy is a sincere and well-meaning candidate, but he lacks the experience and vision of his opponent. He also needs a more robust campaign operation to compete in this race.

The following candidates were not scheduled for an interview by Citizens Union:

Henry J. Bardel (G)

Silas Johnson (Lt)