Crime in New York City done so much to make them safe — what has it been about our activities that have made so many alienated?". On August 2, 2016, James P. O'Neill was appointed Police Commissioner of New York City by Mayor Bill de Blasio, effective September 2016. The boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island have historically had low crime rates compared to The Bronx and Manhattan. The Bronx, specifically the South Bronx, had some of the poorest neighborhoods in the country, as well as very high crime areas. However, its image as a poverty-ridden area developed in the latter part of the
1993 New York City mayoral election in Staten Island; a referendum on Staten Island's secession from New York City was placed on the ballot that year by Governor Mario Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Dinkins defeated Giuliani handily in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, but Giuliani's margin in the other two boroughs was large enough to win the election. Giuliani won by a margin of 53,367 votes. He became the first Republican elected Mayor of New York City since John Lindsay in 1965. Rudy Giuliani – Republican Party (WON)<br> David Dinkins (incumbent) – Democratic Party<br> George J. Marlin – Conservative Party 1993 New York