I knew that when I decided to run for mayor that it would be a tough race. I understood that I would have to work hard because change can be difficult for people. I also anticipated that people would attempt to look for issues to discredit my ability to hold the office of mayor.
I would not have gone down this path if I were not ready for all the challenges coming my way because I live from a place of integrity and honesty. That’s what I have on my side.
I’m hearing that my opposition has been disparaging the idea of voting for an Asian man and a black woman. I’m saddened that people would say such things in our Great Neck community.
That’s why it’s so important that I run for mayor because diversity in this community should be embraced and celebrated. That’s why we chose the campaign message Village for All because many of us in this community understand that everyone deserves the opportunity and the ability to thrive in our community.
I’ve also heard rumors from my opposition that I have been arrested. Please know I have never been arrested in my life. Never. I was endorsed by the police and fire unions in NYC and I was on the Queen’s District Attorney Asian Advisory Board. I co-founded a Girl Scouts troop, which conducts criminal background checks.
Overall, I want to participate in a fair campaign that is based on decency and facts. A fair campaign where we promote our vision, our ideas, and our proposals for our community. Not a campaign of hate and lies that attempts to destroy each other’s character.
The fact is I was U.S. Marine Corps and led a rally against racism. I received an award from the NYPD for helping out after 9/11. I am the local director for Camp Invention, a national summer STEM program for school-age children.
There’s more that I could say about the work that I’ve done over the years. I have dedicated my life to service and I’m ready to continue this work as the next mayor of Great Neck.
I call upon the incumbent village mayor and trustees to repudiate and denounce this intolerance, this campaign of hate, lies and deceit. Let us have civil discourse and an honest debate about the well-being of our community and future of our village.
James Wu
Village of Great Neck
