Today: August 18, 2001 at 9:05:33 PDT

Goetz Eyes NYC Mayorship

NEW YORK (AP) - Subway gunman Bernie Goetz has a new target: Gracie Mansion.

Instead of his one-man war against subway crime, Goetz is aiming to succeed Rudy Giuliani, who is barred by term limits from seeking a third term. Goetz's campaign promotes power naps and places vegetarianism over police brutality.

"Police brutality is far from being a major issue in New York City," he said. "I think vegetarianism is a far more important issue."

Goetz, 53, says he would mandate vegetarian menus at all city-funded facilities, including government buildings, schools, hospitals and jails.

Goetz was convicted of a gun charge but acquitted of attempted murder after shooting four black youths who confronted him on the subway in 1984. Goetz, who is white, claimed it was self-defense, alleging the youths intended to rob him.

The shooting heightened debate over race, crime and quality of life. It also made the self-employed electronics expert a spokesman for what some consider justified vigilantism.

"I'd consider voting for him," said Sal De Francesco, 66, a Brooklyn shopkeeper. "He stands basically for law and order. He just got tired of being pushed around and he stood up for his rights."

Goetz needs 7,500 signatures by Tuesday to get on the ballot as an independent candidate. He says he's got "several thousand" logged and is confident he'll get the rest.

Polls show Mark Green leads the Democratic field, while billionaire Michael Bloomberg dominates the bid for the GOP nomination.

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On the Net:

Bernie for Mayor: www.Bernieformayor.com

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2001