de Blasio Press Q&A: The Staten Island Chuck Recovery Edition (Updated)



Following his early morning visit with Staten Island Chuck, New York’s predictive groundhog, Mayor de Blasio had breakfast with Staten Island elected officials and local leaders.

Following breakfast, Mayor de Blasio answered questions from the press.  Topics included a powder-filled threatening letter recently received by his office, his encounter with Staten Island Chuck, whether Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm was invited to today’s breakfast, his Super Bowl watching plans, whether he’s considering seeking any broad changes at the Port Authority, the city’s snow removal planning and his recent shifting of $210 million away from construction in support of charter schools.

Update – Port Authority:

The Port Authority of NY and NJ is an enormous agency controlling large parts of New York City’s transportation infrastructure, including three of the four two of the three ways to drive on or off Staten Island.  As a bi-state agency controlled by the governors of New York and New Jersey, it’s wholly outside mayoral control or influence.  I asked the mayor whether he has yet formulated any plans or strategy aimed at gaining such control or influence.