Hispanics from New York share with the entire United States population dreams, hopes and aspirations for better education, more jobs and the possibility of generating an income. They also want better access to medical care and housing, and they hope to be treated in a just manner.
However, according to the results of the 13th Annual Survey, “The New Yorkers on New York,” recently released by the Hispanic Federation, for many New York Latinos the American Dream continues to be an elusive goal in 2005.
According to the survey, employment and the economy, respectively, are the most important issues for the majority of Latinos, followed by the state of the public schools and education, housing, and discrimination and racism.
In this election year for the New York City Mayor – in which an important Latino candidate is running – these concerns from our community will impact the vote November 8.
The survey also indicates that Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a Republican, who is running for re-election, is liked and disliked by Latinos in equal measure. Fifty-one percent approve of his performance, while 45 percent consider it not good or poor. This is good news for the mayor, because in 2004, 62 percent of the respondents consider his performance to be poor and only 33 percent approved.
However, when the respondents were asked about the mayor’s performance in relation to our community, 56 percent felt it was not good, with only a 36 percent approval rate. In 2004, the rate of disapproval for Bloomberg was 70 percent, and only 23 percent approved his performance.
The survey reveals that Bloomberg will face Fernando Ferrer – former Bronx Borough president and probable winner in the September 13 Democratic primaries, according to the respondents – in November’s general elections.
This support, predominately from Hispanics for Ferrer – who also is the most recognized Latino leader in his community – is a reflection of the endorsement that he could receive from the Hispanic voters in November. Our annual survey indicates that among Latinos registered to vote, Ferrer would receive 54 percent of the vote to Bloomberg’s 27 percent, while 14 percent are undecided and 2 percent abstaining.
In last year’s survey, Ferrer had received 66 percent of the possible Hispanic electoral support while the mayor received 14 percent.
