Herman Badillo

Encyclopedia : H : HE : HER : Herman Badillo

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Herman Badillo (born August 21, 1929 in Caguas, Puerto Rico) is a Bronx, New York politician who has been a borough president, United States Representative, and candidate for Mayor of New York City.

When Badillo was 11 years old, both of his parents died of tuberculosis and he was sent to live with his aunt in New York City. After graduating from the public school system, Badillo attended and earned a Bachelor's degree from the City College of New York in 1951. In 1954, he received an LLB. from Brooklyn Law School graduating first in his class. The following year he was admitted to the New York State Bar. In 1956, he also became a certified public accountant.

Early Political Career

In 1958, Badillo joined the "Caribe Democratic Club" and has since then held various offices within the City and State, including Bronx Borough President in 1965. Prior to becoming the Borough President, he served as New York Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 1970, Badillo was elected to the United States House of Representatives from New York's 21st District in the South Bronx, thus becoming the first Puerto Rican to so serve. He was also re-elected for three subsequent consecutive terms. He also gained a seat on the Committee on Education and Labor.

Through his efforts, job training for unemployed non-English speaking citizens were included in the "Comprehensive Manpower Act of 1973".

Badillo also served on the Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs Committee, and the Small Business Committee where he had a seat on the Minority Enterprise and General Oversight Sub-committee. During his time in office he supported legislation intended to fight various forms of discrimination including age and marital status discrimination in employment.

First Three Mayoral Campaigns

He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York in 1969, 1973 and 1977, coming closest on his second try when he was defeated by Abe Beame in a runoff primary.

Deputy Mayor of New York City

Badillo resigned from Congress on December 31, 1977 to become deputy mayor of New York City under Mayor Ed Koch, a position he held until September 1979. Badillo was one of seven deputy mayors appointed by Koch for the first portion of his administration. As a deputy mayor, Badillo handled labor relations and community outreach for Koch. Koch later reduced the number of deputy mayors, which resulted in Badillo leaving the Koch Administration.

Post City Hall Career and State Comptroller Campaign

After leaving City Hall, Badillo worked as an attorney in New York City. In 1985 he considered a bid for mayor against Koch in the Democratic Primary. In 1986, Badillo was the Democratic nominee for New York State Comptroller, losing to Republican incumbent Edward Regan.

City Comptroller Campaign

In 1993, Badillo, though still a Democrat, ran for Comptroller of New York City on a "fusion" ticket with Republican Rudy Giuliani. He also sought the Democratic nomination, but finished third, behind Alan Hevesi and the incumbent Comptroller, Elizabeth Holtzman. In the general election, although Giuliani won the mayoralty, Badillo lost to Hevesi. In the general election, Badillo was the nominee of the Republican and Liberal Parties.

Giuliani Administration and CUNY Chairmanship

Badillo held a series of positions within the Giuliani administration, where he served as the mayor's Special Counsel on education policy and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York.

In his capacity as Giuliani's education advisor, Badillo advocated increased Mayoral control of the public schools and a revamped curriculum; he was also Giuliani's liaison to the City's Board of Education. As CUNY Chairman, Badillo led a successful effort to end open enrollment and revamp the curriculum.

He stepped down as education special counsel and CUNY Chairman when he announced his candidacy for Mayor in 2001.

Republican Party Switch and 2001 Mayoral Campaign

In the late 1990s, Badillo formally joined the Republican Party and ran for mayor of New York City, losing the 2001 Republican primary to the eventual victor, Michael Bloomberg.

Publications and Buffalo, NY School

Badillo's publications include:

• "A Bill of No Rights: Attica and the American Prison System" (1972) and
• "Plain Talk" (1981).

There is also a school in Buffalo, New York called P.S. 76 Herman Badillo Community School.

Current Career

Badillo is now dedicated to his law practice in New York. In 2005 he became "of counsel" to the New York City law firm of Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C.

NYS and NYC Tickets Herman Badillo Ran On

1986 NYS Democratic Ticket

• Governor: Mario Cuomo
• Lieutenant Governor: Stan Lundine
• Comptroller: Herman Badillo
• Attorney General: Robert Abrams
• U.S. Senate: Mark J. Green

1993 NYC Republican and Liberal Ticket

• Mayor: Rudy Giuliani
• Public Advocate: Susan Alter
• Comptroller: Herman Badillo

See also

• List of famous Puerto Ricans

External links

• ["Of Counsel Profile"] - biography on law firm website

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