By Paul Shapiro
"I am running for mayor because I believe that leadership does make a difference," Blakeman said, "and I think that the last 15 years have demonstrated that with strong leadership that you can have a positive effect on the people and the city of New York. Basically, I looked at the other candidates, and I felt that I was more qualified than the other candidates that were out there. I think I have something to offer. I think I can be mayor, and a good one."
Blakeman, 52, has launched a campaign Web site and his first 30-second spots on city cable TV networks have already started airing.
The recently-announced Republican candidate for mayor is a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Prior to his appointment to the Port Authority's board, Blakeman was a councilman on the Hempstead Town Board and was a member of the Nassau County Legislature, holding the positions of presiding officer and majority leader from 1996 to 1999.
"I think I have superior qualities and experience," Blakeman said. "I’ve been a businessman, I’ve been a lawyer, I’ve been a legislator, I’ve been a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and have been dealing with issues that are very important to the area. I think I have a very well rounded background and have a lot of interaction with those in the New York City government."
During his time on the legislature while representing Woodmere, Blakeman and his family also owned an apartment in Manhattan apartment as well as a house in the Hamptons. According to his campaign Web site (www.mayorblakeman2009.org/), Blakeman has been a resident of New York City since 2000.
He feels his time in Woodmere has helped make him the candidate he is today.
"A lot of the things that I learned being a county legislator are part of my life experience that I think I bring to the table with respect to running for mayor," Blakeman said. "I’ve demonstrated in the past that I can work across all party lines. I’m a problem solver and a doer and someone who is very passionate about serving people. It was a very rich and rewarding experience representing the people of Nassau County."
Blakeman is now a partner at Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Greenberg, Formato & Einiger, LLP. Prior to joining Abrams Fensterman, Mr. Blakeman was the founding partner of Robert M. Blakeman & Associates. For over 22 years, Blakeman has been representing clients in the areas of real estate, commercial litigation, transportation, finance, and insurance.
It seems Blakeman will go up against John Catsimatidis for the G.O.P. nomination.
"I feel that I have something to offer," Blakeman said. "I am a candidate for mayor and expect to be the next next mayor of New York City."
Comments about this story? PShapiro@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 201.
