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New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr., joined by a coalition of City and State elected officials, today demanded that Mayor Bloomberg reconsider his appointment of a member of the New York City Committee on Women’s Issues after the appointee published online an essay stating that swine flu is an “excuse to close our borders” to Mexico.

In a strongly worded letter – which can be viewed at www.comptroller.nyc.gov – the coalition said that Betsy Perry’s essay was an unfathomable display of narrow-mindedness and displayed an utter disrespect for Latino and immigrant communities.

“By taking advantage of a serious public health issue to highlight her shallow views of immigration policy, Ms. Perry serves only to heighten the xenophobia that is all too prevalent in this country,” the group wrote. “It is unacceptable that a high level representative of your Administration has so carelessly discussed matters of immigration and public health without proper consultation with your office.”

The group questioned Ms. Perry’s contention that her goal was to be “sharp and funny,” charging that: “We all agree that there is no humor in a public health crisis or intolerance.”

The New York City Commission on Women's Issues advises the Mayor on matters impacting the lives of women and provides women and their families with access to City services. 

“The opinions expressed by Ms. Perry do not inspire confidence that she can serve a city that prides itself on its diversity,” the letter reads. “For you to characterize this public commentary as ‘inappropriate’ is insufficient. On behalf of the millions of Latino and immigrant New Yorkers that we represent, we respectfully request that you reconsider Ms. Perry’s appointment to the New York City Commission on Women.”

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