Bloomberg Tells Sharpton to Keep a Low Profile During Haiti Visit

Mayor Bloomberg has warned the Rev. Al Sharpton that his scheduled visit to Haiti risks hampering post-quake relief efforts. 

On Monday he delivered Sharpton a clear message “the military has plenty on their hands. The airport can’t handle the amount of relief efforts that we’re trying to get in there.”

Sharpton agrees that the last thing Haiti’s overcrowded airports need is publicity hungry officials. He insists that his mission is humanitarian, telling The Daily News “we would only go to bring doctors and bring in equipment. Otherwise you are in the way. He’s absolutely right.”

The journey will take place later this week on a flight chartered by Sharpton’s National Action Network. Sharpton will be accompanied by City Councilman Charles Barron and 80,000 gallons of water which he will deliver to the devastated country.

Bloomberg isn’t the only Council member who is wary of Haitian photo ops. Haitian-American Mathieu Eugene (D Brooklyn) will remain grounded until the crisis has died down. His top aid, Patricio Barrientos told the Daily News that Haiti needs food and water rather than elected officials clogging up the runway.

 
 
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