Manhattan: As a proud Italian-American, I must oppose the viewpoint that Italian-Americans should not vote for Zohran Mamdani because he doesn’t view Christopher Columbus as a hero, and support Andrew Cuomo instead (“Columbus should be a hero for a mayor,” op-ed, Oct. 13). Columbus did not “discover” America. Native Americans were here. We know that their mass extermination began at that time. He was not the first one from Europe to come to America. Scandinavians came and settled beginning in the eighth century. To be critical of Columbus having an American holiday is not anti-Italian. It is supporting Native Americans who are affronted by it.

Mamdani’s campaign reminds me of our city’s greatest mayor and a true Italian-American hero, Fiorello LaGuardia. He campaigned and won his election calling for free college education that became CUNY, public housing creating NYCHA, building high schools, and the fair Civil Service system for city employees replacing corrupt cronyism. He began the city’s highway system and construction of many bridges and tunnels we now travel through. He built hundreds of playgrounds in areas that had no space for children or families. Mamdani’s vision for improving the lives of New Yorkers mirrors LaGuardia’s. The average Italian-Americans in this city would be better off if he became mayor.

When at Staten Island Community College, I voted for an Italian-American for student government because of his ethnicity, thinking I would be represented better. I learned that the person I voted for had the exact opposite politics and beliefs that I did. A person should get my vote for what they want to accomplish, not ethnicity. And maybe we need to change Columbus Day to LaGuardia Day! Ralph Palladino

Manhattan: If you are voting for Mamdani, you should think about his promise for free buses. I wonder how that can happen when the MTA is raising fares because it needs the money. Another comment or promise to get your votes. Mary Longobardi

Kew Gardens: After watching the mayoral debate, only one thing was evident when it was over:........

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