Praise for Bloomberg From Would-Be Successors

Michael Bloomberg’s executive budget includes some cuts to education but, for now, preserves a $400 property tax rebate (which was introduced by the mayor during just before an election year).

Two mayoral candidates, Bill Thompson and Christine Quinn (who hasn't formally declared), are out with statements praising the plan.

Thompson called it “prudent fiscal planning," Quinn said it was “sobering and fiscally responsible.”

I wonder what Anthony Weiner will say about it.

The full statements are after the jump.

The statements in full:

Bill Thompson:

“Today’s plan is a testament to prudent fiscal planning. Mayor Bloomberg’s preliminary budget is in balance largely because the City had taken appropriate steps to prepare for uncertain economic times. When the economy was much stronger, the City was able to set aside funds to address future needs and to prepare for an inevitable downturn in the business cycle.

"The current volatile economic climate creates the need the take immediate steps to prevent future sizeable budget gaps, as New York City had struggled to overcome. This budget plan smartly exacts sufficient belt-tightening measures that may seem harsh, but are unfortunate necessities.

"I plan to work with the Mayor’s office and all city agencies to continue to identify ways to exact revenue savings, in hopes that tougher economic times do not yield more drastic measures. Together, we can meet this challenge to ensure that resources accumulated during flush years continue to be available to sustain services when an economic downturn reduces our revenues.

“Mayor Bloomberg today offered a plan for the City’s financial future that was both sobering and fiscally responsible.

“In the coming weeks, we will closely study and review his proposal. We will also closely monitor budget negotiations in Albany, the national economy and Wall Street revenue projections.

“Together with my colleagues and the Administration, I am committed to making smart decisions to prepare for times of economic uncertainty. We look forward to working with the Mayor on a budget that both maintains essential city services and ensures the long-term financial stability of our City.”