MK Horowitz announces he's running for Tel Aviv mayor
Dovish statesman, city native criticizes Huldai's priorities, housing prices, situation of migrants, says he has the knowhow to amend things
"My name is Nitzan Horowitz. I'm a Tel Avivian and I'm running for the head of the Tel Aviv Jaffa Municipality," he said. "I love this city, I can't imagine living my life anywhere else. I live this city, its streets and avenues, I know it through and through. Just as I know the beautiful things about it, I'm aware of its problems and I know what needs be done. Thus I decided to contribute my experience where I could best contribute."
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Horowitz, serving his second term as an MK, would resign from the Knesset should he be elected to the post. He has already met with activists and public relations professionals in order to launch an election campaign. His intention to run for mayor was first reported by Ynet last month.
In the press conference he had kind words for incumbent mayor Ron Huldai, who, he said, achieved many positives during his three terms; he added, however, that he took exception to Huldai's priorities. "For the sums that went into the renovation of the cityhall it was possible to build 100 kindergartens. There's no reason classes and kindergartens in the city should be so overcrowded."
Horowitz in press conference (Photo: Benny Doutsh)
Horowitz addressed the problems of transportation and parking in the city saying "have you ever asked yourself why the traffic in Tel Aviv is always congested and the public transportation so shoddy? It doesn't have to be that way. I have the knowhow to create another picture entirely," he added, branding the current situation "a nightmare."
Horowitz claimed that despite the fact that the municipality is strong and rich, the southern part of the city remains neglected and is the backyard of the State of Israel. He said if elected he will work to restore the southern neighborhoods and as well as Jaffa. He addressed the issue of excessive red tape that hinders the opening of shops and the thorny issue of housing prices.
Ron Huldai. Wrong priorities? (Photo: Motti Kimchi)
"How can the young or the elderly continue living in this city? Young people can not afford the rent and the elderly cannot afford protected housing," Horowitz said, adding he intends to facilitate affordable housing for both demographic groups.
He also spoke of the proliferation of migrants in southern Tel Aviv, saying the situation is intolerable. "This is a ticking time bomb. You don't need to be an expert to realize the situation can't go on. It is absurd, and despite that the State continues to bring in more and more foreign workers."
Horowitz, 48, is a former journalist and was first elected to the Knesset in 2009 on the Meretz list. His specialties include human and civil rights and environmental issues, and he heads the Knesset lobby dedicated to the two.
The municipal elections are scheduled for October 22.
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