Ferrer unveils property tax cut plan

Fernando Ferrer wants to one-up the mayor on property tax relief.

The Democratic mayoral nominee went to the easternmost corner of Queens yesterday to unveil a proposal to reduce property taxes for most homeowners in the city.

Criticizing Mayor Michael Bloomberg for raising property taxes several years ago, Ferrer announced announced at the Little Neck event that he would cut the tax value of all homes under $800,000.

The proposal, which would require state approval, calls for reducing the assessed tax value of homes by $100,000, which would translate into a tax savings of $973 for every owner of a one-, two- or three-family house, co-ops and condominiums, according to the Ferrer camp.

Ferrer described Bloomberg's tenure as filled with destructive tax policies for the poor and middle class, and he raised his theme about two New Yorks in the process.

"This other New York, defined by a shrinking middle class and the expanding poverty of those at the bottom, this other New York cannot live on the platitudes and promises of a mayor who thinks the best argument for re-election is to buy a lot of television and radio time," Ferrer said.

He cited a litany of tax increases such as the 18.5 percent property tax in 2002, as well as low level jumps in cigarette and cell phone taxes, among others.

Bloomberg campaign spokesman Stu Loeser once again chided the former Bronx borough president for changing his views on property tax increases and rebates in recent months.

"Freddy Ferrer's proposals are as convoluted and contradictory as all of his previous positions on this issue, which for him is par for the course," Loeser said.

Mayor gets backing from Youngblood

Earlier, Bloomberg garnered support from the Rev. Johnny Ray Youngblood, the well-known pastor of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Brooklyn.

Outside the Tompkins Avenue church, Youngblood hailed the mayor's record on education before saying he would vote for the mayor, without issuing a formal endorsement.

The mayor also got endorsements from the Harry S. Truman Democratic Club, the High-way Democratic Club, former City Councilman Herb Berman, and Democratic District Leader Michael Geller during a Brooklyn event.
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The mayor also got the nod from the Cown Heights Political Action Committee, where Chanina Sperlin, chairman and several other community leaders presided, and endorsements from the editorial boards of Newsday and the New York Times.