New York Mayoral Candidate Tells Rivals to "Stop Living in Dream Land"

Independent New York Mayoral Candidate Reacts to Debate Snub

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 21, 2005 -- Supporters of the independent New York City candidate seeking to unseat Mayor Michael Bloomberg, expressed their displeasure today with the official debate preparation process.

Although Bloomberg and his Democratic rival Fernando Ferrer have yet to set a date for their upcoming debates, many in Fred Parker's campaign are crying foul at what they say is a consistent failure to recognize their man as the third candidate.

"We're being snubbed," said Parker campaign manager, Sara Foster. "Here we are with a campaign that has been building steam since the primaries, a legitimate threat to our Republican and Democratic rivals, yet it's as though we don't exist. We've yet to be contacted regarding the debates."

Parker, speaking at a rally at which he was endorsed by the Greater New York Community NOW Initiative, said his rivals "need to be honest with the public. By brushing off a viable political campaign, they fail to give New Yorkers a true choice."

"Ferrer talks about going 'mano a mano,'" Parker continued. "And Bloomberg hides behind a $100 million coffer. It's time to face me in a debate and stop living in dream land."

Currently there are two possible dates which have been set by the Campaign Finance Board, Oct. 6 and Nov. 1. Two additional televised debates have been proposed.

"We're waiting for word as to exactly when and where these debates will take place," said Foster. "It's appropriate for us to receive an invitation."

Parker came to citywide notoriety last Wednesday when the candidate boldly captured an armed protestor who disrupted his first post-primary speech. The incident occurred at the Midtown headquarters of the Parker Foundation, a youth organization devoted to at-risk children. The candidate held the gunman until police were able to take him into custody. The suspect's identity has not been released.

Parker served 15 years on the bench and started the Parker Foundation in 1995 in an effort to help the city's neediest citizens, the young. The organization has since branched out to all five boroughs and is credited with reducing local juvenile crime by 53%.

The Judge's efforts have earned him a reputation as the "Angel on My Shoulder Candidate."

"I never set out to be an angel," Parker said. "As a kid growing up on the streets of New York, I had a devil of a time getting to where I am now. I understand that juvenile delinquency is not a matter of bad kids or good kids, but rather a matter of bad conditions and good conditions. While it seems to me that Mayor Bloomberg's agenda benefits only the wealthy, I want to reach out across all socio-economic lines."

The Parker for Mayor campaign website can be found at www.angelonmyshoulder.net.

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