The Five Borough Ballot: Violence Dominates Campaign Talk in Mott Haven

In order to gain a microcosmic perspective on the actual opinions of New Yorkers about the upcoming election, City & State and City Limits, in partnership with MetroFocus, present a new series: “The Five Borough Ballot.”

Mott Haven — On a February weekday, the regulars streamed into homey Camaguey Restaurant on 138th St. in Mott Haven for lunch. Many opted for the beef stew as a means of combating the winter chill. One regular customer ordering a plate of fried fish and plantains asked jokingly, “Where can I get some salt in this restaurant?” prompting one of the wait staff to quip, “Bloomberg doesn’t want you to have any salt.” For some Mott Havenites, the mayor’s controversial quality of life policies, such as banning plastic-foam containers and large soda bottles, are mere whimsies. Many here think the city is not doing enough to address what they contend are more serious issues, like violent crime and education.

Continue reading this week’s Five Borough Ballot coverage on the City Limits website.