NEW YORK: Bill Cunningham, a veteran Democratic PRO who signed on
with born-again Republican Mike Bloomberg early in his victorious
campaign to be New York City mayor, was named City Hall communications
director last Monday.
The clout that title offers Cunningham became apparent two days later,
when he sat down for his first day of work at one of the four cubicles
closest to Bloomberg's in the newsroom-style office installed by the
newly appointed mayor.
'There's no doubt that he'll represent real power and real access,' said
communications consultant Ken Sunshine, who served as the first chief of
staff in the Dinkins administration.
'Bill is both a good soundbite guy, and a good strategist,' added Josh
Isay, veteran US election campaign manager.
'My feeling is that the way Bloomberg's press office has handled his
transition - which has been smooth - is an indication of the way they're
going to handle things at City Hall,' he added.
