For the last time before next week’s election, the candidates in Binghamton’s mayoral race met today for a forum. Both men credit their opponent with good intentions and some good ideas. Democratic candidate Tarik Abdelazim once served as the city’s Director of Planning, Housing, and Community Development. When he served at city hall, Abdelazim says they successfully cut expenses.
“That is a pivotal move that set the next mayor up for success and that was the whole goal, right? We don’t own city hall. It was ‘this future belongs to all of us. Let’s provide the next mayor with success,” said Abdelazim.
Mayor Rich David claims he can take good ideas and make them real. David says more police have been hired and property crime is down. Plus, he says downtown Binghamton is healthier.
“One third of all city streets have been milled and paved or reconstructed in four years. That’s more than the previous administration did in eight years,” said David.
The forum was hosted by the Binghamton Rotary Club. David has been endorsed by both police and firefighters. Abdelazim has been endorsed by leading Democrats, including the Broome County Executive.