Hevesi Is Proven Administrator

Alan Hevesi is the best of the candidates before the electorate in the democratic primary for mayor. His financial savvy makes him uniquely equipped to deal with the impending economic slump, and his knowledge of New York City and New York state politics minimizes a potentially catastrophic learning curve. His skirmishes with the city's media have portrayed him in a negative light and may have unfairly hurt his chances in the primaries.

As comptroller of what has been called the ungovernable city, he is one of only three citywide elected officials and one of only two employed in a clearly administrative capacity. While Mark Green dealt with important issues of consumer support as the public advocate, Hevesi ran a government agency, and thus served in a position of governance, rather than one of advocacy. He oversaw the infinitely complex allocation and maintenance of city contracts. His work in the comptroller's office armed him with an intimate knowledge of the city's finances, which will prove integral should the economy take its likely downturn.

Before Hevesi served as city comptroller, he worked as a state assemblyman for 22 years, familiarizing himself with politics in Albany, where he is well-liked and well-known. His relationship with state leaders, including Governor George Pataki and Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, will streamline the needed and often difficult allotment of funds for city projects.

In the last month, Hevesi's campaign has traded blows with the city's media for his spat with Mayor Rudolph Giuliani over an alleged misuse of office. The New York Post, which ran a front page photo of him labeled "Crybaby," has attacked him unflaggingly, and in doing so has done New York City a disservice by relegating this campaign to one of labels. The allegations remain unsupported, and while they should be examined for conflicts of interest, Hevesi's actions were by no means illegal. As a result of the bad press he has received, his popularity has suffered.

In a primary where four democratic candidates have not substantially distinguished themselves from each other, Hevesi remains the "most experienced, best qualified" candidate, as his clunky campaign slogan assures.