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03/21/2013 11:54 PM

Plan For Trash Station Debated At Upper East Side Democratic Mayoral Forum

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All politics were local last night at a Democratic mayoral forum on the Upper East Side, where a proposed trash facility brought out strong feelings from the candidates and crowd. NY1's Josh Robin filed the following report.

The debate was held at the 92nd Street Y, so it was no big surprise that Christine Quinn got booed for her support of a proposed garbage transfer station.

After all, the proposed location is on 91st Street.

"It's a plan based on a vision of environmental justice," Quinn said. "We need to stop the historical position of placing all of our municipal garbage facilities in lower-income communities of color."

Other candidates said they have questions about the plan.

Five are seeking to be the first Democrat in City Hall since 1993. Quinn seemed confident she'll break the losing streak.

"I know the next mayor is going to be a Democrat, because I know that person is going to be me," she said.

That comment brought a jab from Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

"Something that Mayor Bloomberg didn't fully understand, the people get to make this decision, and the people haven't spoken yet," he said.

Speaking of Mayor Bloomberg and term limits, City Comptroller John Liu said it marred Bloomberg's time in office.

"I think he was on the right track in his first term," Liu said. "The second term was off track, and the third term was just plain illegal. That should never have happened."

In the last election, Bloomberg beat William Thompson, who is running again. Thompson said he'd knock down the mayor's signature office space.

"I would get rid of a bullpen," Thompson said. "The truth is, from what I've heard, and speaking to people who have worked in there, it is great to be able to communicate, but it's hard to be able to focus and do work in that type of environment. It's a trading desk."

Also running is former Brooklyn Councilman Sal Albanese, who is a longshot as of now.

"I spent 11 years as a public city school teacher," Albanese said. "I spent 15 years in the City Council with an unblemished record of independence."

Despite her cool reception at the forum, Quinn remains atop polls, and she did get some support from the audience. She also has the support of local Rep. Carolyn Maloney.