He\u2019s the Bolshevik-buster.<\/p>\n
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman is amping up his fight to vanquish socialism from New York, showcasing a new initiative with The Post this week he says will protect the Empire State now and in the future. <\/p>\n
His \u201cProtect the New York Dream\u201d agenda is a multi-pronged approach focused on protecting homeownership, merit-based public education, private-property rights and jobs, Blakeman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen [Gov. Kathy] Hochul and [NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani] tell homeowners that their success is a problem, tell high-achieving students that merit doesn\u2019t matter, and give politically connected organizations greater control over private property, they are undermining the very people who built this state. That ends when I\u2019m governor,\u201d crowed Blakeman.<\/p>\n
Blakeman \u2013 who has narrowed the Democratic incumbent\u2019s lead in the gubernatorial race to 10% based on a Siena Poll<\/a> released Tuesday \u2013 said the initiative is in response to a wave of socialist policies, such as NYC\u2019s controversial new\u00a0pied-\u00e0-terre tax\u00a0<\/a>on luxury second homes championed by Mamdani with little to no opposition from Hochul.<\/p>\n Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman is amping up his fight to rid the Empire State of socialism by unveiling new platforms aimed at protecting the \u201cNew York Dream.\u201d AP Photo\/Yuki Iwamura<\/p>\n The initiative includes fighting to protect and expand the Gifted & Talented programs and NYC\u2019s specialized high schools \u2014 like Stuyvesant HS in Manhattan and Brooklyn Tech \u2013 from Mamdani\u2019s efforts to phase out merit-based admissions because he believes they deepen systemic inequities.<\/p>\n Blakeman said that if elected, he\u2019d guarantee students are rewarded for academic excellence and achievement \u2013 and that educational standards would not be lowered.<\/p>\n He\u2019s also pledged to protect New Yorkers\u2019 right to own, control and sell their properties without government interference.<\/p>\n (Left to right) Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and activist Linda Wolff attend a joint press briefing at the Governor\u2019s office in New York on Wednesday. Zuma \/ SplashNews.com<\/p>\n He pointed out that Hochul\u2019s running mate, former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, is a big supporter of the Mamdani-backed \u00a0\u201cCommunity Opportunity for Purchase Act.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n The stalled Stalinesque legislation is designed to control how private property is sold, and it would slam $30,000 fines on landlords who refuse. <\/p>\n President Donald Trump shaking hands on Friday with Bruce Blakeman. AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson<\/p>\n It requires select \u201ccommunity land trusts\u201d and other nonprofits providing affordable housing to make first offers to buy residential buildings with at least three units once they\u2019re on the market \u2013 and then match competing private-sector offers.<\/p>\n He also reiterated his desire to reverse high tax burdens and progressive local agendas that he claims are causing businesses and taxpayers to flee to Florida.<\/p>\n