Photo Courtesy of the Dietl Campaign
Ulrich (r.) announced his support of Dietl on Monday on the steps of City Hall.
By Michael V. Cusenza
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) this week endorsed GOP mayoral hopeful Bo Dietl on the steps of City Hall.
“He’s a real New Yorker who’s not afraid to speak his mind,” Ulrich said on Monday, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
Ulrich, one of three Republican City Councilmembers, is the first to endorse a mayoral candidate.
Ulrich mulled running against Mayor Bill de Blasio, but announced last month that he has decided, instead, to run for a third term representing the people of the 32nd Council District.
“It’s something that I’ve been considering for quite some time now, mulling it over these past few months with my family, my friends, and my supporters, and I’ve decided that this would not be the right move for me to make,” Ulrich announced on “The Road to City Hall” on Spectrum News New York 1. “I think that despite what some of the polls may indicate, [Mayor] Bill de Blasio can absolutely be beat – but I’m not sure that I’m in a position to beat him this year.”
Dietl, 66, a borough native and decorated former City Police Department detective, on Monday said it bothers him when his outspoken nature garners him comparisons to President Donald Trump.
“I am not Donald Trump. And anyone that compares me, I really feel hurt in my heart,” he told the New York Daily News. “I’m not another Donald Trump. I’m Bo Dietl. I’ve spilled my blood. I’m a grandfather here in New York. I’m not a billionaire.”
In March, Ulrich said that though the odds are steep, Hizzoner can be beaten.
“[De Blasio] is his own worst enemy,” Ulrich added. “If you look at his lackluster performance, and his inability to bring people together in this city, I think he absolutely can be a one-term mayor.”
Dietl is playing the “everyman” card, and said he’ll fight for all New Yorkers.
“I’m sick and tired of the political corruption that has plagued our great city over the last few years,” he said. “I am not a politician, and not beholden to anyone or any special interests. As your mayor, the only people I would answer to are you, the people of New York City.”
According to Ulrich, the five boroughs can ill-afford more of the same.
“I don’t think the city can stand another four years of [de Blasio’s] incompetent leadership, his inattention to detail, and lack of innovation,” Ulrich said last month.
