U.S. Marine Reserve and 64th Assembly District (Bay Ridge, Staten Island) candidate Marko Kepi (R) has urged the City and State of New York to allow voters to remove Mayor Bill De Blasio (D).
In a Sunday press release, Kepi blasted De Blasio’s leadership before and during the George Floyd protests. He called for New York to pass legislation allowing recall elections hoping for a premature end to the mayor’s term and released a petition to help make his proposal a reality.
“Mayor de Blasio must step down now…[he] is a modern-day Emperor Nero- fiddling while Rome burns,” said Kepi. “Not only has he refused to intervene or stop the destruction and looting but his very own daughter, Chiara de Blasio was arrested this weekend with a group of rioters [allegedly] throwing rocks at police and stopping traffic. That’s why I have created a petition entitled “RECALL deBLASIO NOW” that is gaining support traction online and on social media.”
Brandon Patterson, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the seat, poo-poohed Kepi’s proposals as desperate political posturing. “Failure in leadership does not discriminate by political party. I’ve been critical of this administration, but this call is nothing more than an attempt to boost a failing political campaign,” he said.
“It’s clear that we need better leaders, and Marko isn’t the answer. This district needs someone who has articulated policy positions to get New York back on its feet. I’m proud of the proposals I’ve made to get people back to work and help small businesses, and all of that is reflective by my endorsements.”
Kings County Politics contacted Kepi for further comment. He explained that even if he loses, he can find other lawmakers to help pass the legislation, highlighting that Albany Democrats may be more receptive to it than to other Republican proposals.
Kepi further elaborated on what he considered de Blasio’s deficits in leaderships amid the protests. “He needs to unite the people. He’s doing the complete opposite. He’s encouraging these riots in my belief. “These people, especially businesses, have suffered through COVID by losing their money and savings, and now they’re being robbed, and the mayor is not doing anything about it. He’s encouraging it.”
Mike Tannousis (R), Kepi’s primary rival, declined to comment.
