Note to Mayor Bloomberg: Bronx is Still Looking for a Change

Last week, Mayor Bloomberg narrowly secured his third term in office, no thanks to Bronx voters.

Unofficial election results show the majority of Bronx electoral districts voted overwhelmingly in favor of Bloomberg’s Democratic challenger, Bill Thompson. Now, as Bloomberg begins his third term as mayor, he faces a divided city and a discontented Bronx.

“I am totally, totally disappointed that he won,” said Kevin, a Norwood resident who refused to give his last name. “He should step down.”

“I am upset Bloomberg won,” said a Norwood resident who didn't want to be named. “We wanted someone new.”

Despite voter disappointment, few Bronx residents were surprised that Bloomberg won the election. “He has money and money can buy anything,” said Dorothy, a Norwood resident.

Kimley Jones, a Fordham resident, agreed. “Bloomberg is Bloomberg," she said. "No matter who ran against him, it wouldn’t matter.”

Residents said Thompson could have done even better if more people knew about him and his plans for office. “People know Bloomberg. They don’t know Thompson,” said Deneice Allen, a Tremont resident.

The borough's vote seemed split between income levels. Thompson enjoyed tremendous support in poorer areas such as Wakefield and University Heights, while Bloomberg won in the more affluent neighborhoods of the Bronx, including Riverdale and Morris Park.

Most Bloomberg supporters cited the mayor’s positive record in office as a reason for his successful election run. A Bedford Park resident said, “I think generally he has done a great job keeping crime low and developing abandoned properties."

“We know what to expect from Bloomberg,” said Joanna Soto, a Fordham resident.

Bloomberg voters expect a change for the better in the Bronx, and for that matter, so do Thompson supporters.

Multiple Bronx residents cited unemployment as a major issue in need of improvement. “Now, the challenge is to create jobs,” said one Bedford Park resident.

Other residents around the Bronx said they are looking for the mayor to improve education, potholes, reducing crime and monitoring the city’s police.

“If he’s going to be there another four years, he needs to do something,” said Kimley Jones.