The very public feud between Mayor Bloomberg and Betsy Gotbaum ended yesterday in a public way.
The public advocate and the mayor stood side-by-side at a City Hall press conference, where Bloomberg could hardly find enough nice things to say about his one-time adversary.
“Betsy Gotbaum is the best public advocate we have ever had,” the mayor declared at one point.
Sources said peace between the two citywide officials was achieved after Bloomberg told Gotbaum he wouldn’t try to change the succession rules for mayor, so she’d continue to be next in line in case of a tragedy.
Last year, Bloomberg pushed through a City Charter amendment requiring a new election within 90 days if a vacancy is created in the mayor’s office.
As part of the change, Gotbaum was forced to give up her position as presiding officer of the City Council – until Speaker Gifford Miller intervened and re-appointed her to the same post.
“The end of the last friendship only happened in the press’ mind,” insisted Bloomberg, adding that he and Gotbaum have been pals for so long that they even go to the same haircutter.
That’s why, he continued, her support for two bills before the City Council to limit the city’s liability in sidewalk-fall cases is so crucial.
“A lot of people respect Betsy. If she’s on board, it takes a lot of the wind out of those who say, ‘Oh, this is just something that is trying to hurt people’s ability to go to the courts,’ ” said the mayor.
Bloomberg and Gotbaum were getting along so well that the mayor playfully suggested that she assume his role for a while in fielding reporters’ questions.
“Would you like to assume that I dropped dead and you were the mayor and answer?” Bloomberg said.
The GOP mayor also announced he would support Gotbaum for re-election in 2005, and suggested Gotbaum – a lifelong Democrat – “join my ticket” so voters can pull the lever for both on the same line.
“I will certainly consider it,” Gotbaum responded diplomatically.