Judge Michelle Mirro claims the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs is trying to fire her because she tried to block unfair city violations meant to squeeze small businesses. It’s an ideal opportunity for the mayoral wannabes to show their solidarity with the little guy: i.e., the businesses.
Never mind “innocent until proven guilty”; Mirro says she was expected to rule guilty even if proven innocent. In a lawsuit against the DCA, she claims the agency reversed judicial decisions that tossed violations or failed to impose maximum fines.
It’s hard to believe, but her claims fit with a pattern by the Bloomberg folks in which the city nickel-and-dimes small businesses based on confusing, trivial technicalities.
Quick: Summon the TV cameras for the Bodega Challenge. Never heard of it? Well, it doesn’t exist, but it could be a great way for candidates to show sympathy for beleaguered businesses — which create jobs, pay taxes and keep the economy humming.
Think about it: The mayoral candidates have taken up a Food Stamp Challenge and a Public Housing Sleepover. Several officials have embarked on a Minimum Wage Challenge, living on $92 for a week.
Fine. So why not try running a bodega for a week? Let the wannabes see what it’s like to endure constant fines, inane regulations and killer taxes. They’ll face:
* Surprise visits by the Health Department that turn up technical infractions wholly unrelated to health or sanitation.
* Sick-leave laws that make it difficult to hire extra workers, even if they’re needed.
* Proposed regs for tobacco products (which stores sell to lure customers) requiring them to be out of sight and subject to price minimums.
* Huge costs for consultants and lawyers to navigate permits and inspections.
Who’ll take up this challenge — and shed light on the plight of a vital but neglected segment? Anyone?