NEW YORK (AP) -- The former transit official who led the New York City subway system's recovery from Superstorm Sandy filed paperwork Thursday making his bid for mayor official.
Former Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Joseph Lhota appears to be leading among Republican candidates vying to replace Mayor Michael Bloomberg, but will be challenged by Democrats in a city where they're strong
Lhota is a 58-year-old Bronx native who grew up on Long Island. A graduate of Georgetown University and Harvard Business School, he is the son of a New York police lieutenant.
He supports same-sex marriage and abortion rights, but is considered fiscally conservative -- in favor of keeping the lid on city spending.
Under Rudy Giuliani, Lhota was a deputy mayor and budget director. He later went into business as a top executive at Cablevision and Madison Square Garden and took on the MTA post in 2011.
With Bloomberg term-limited, the field for November's election already includes several other declared and likely candidates -- including City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Bill Thompson, a former city comptroller. All are Democrats.
Lhota stands out as a public official who says what he thinks -- bluntly. He once displayed his middle finger to a reporter at City Hall.
On the day of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, he rushed to lower Manhattan to help direct traffic amid the emergency.
After Hurricane Sandy, Lhota is credited with saving subway service by shutting down the system before the storm.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:43 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:43:53 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:44:14 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:29 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:29:45 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:15:21 GMT
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:00:29 GMT
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police.
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police. Andrea Rebello's family followed the pastor Wednesday as he led her white cloth-draped coffin to the altar at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Joe Lhota
