HARLEM — A candidate has been accused of using "alternative facts' to thin out a crowded field of contenders trying to represent Harlem on the City Council.
Marvin Holland, political director of the Transit Workers Union Local 100, and his campaign have raised objections against opponents in an effort to bump them from the ballot, The New York Observer reported.
Thirteen candidates are running for the seat, which was vacated by Inez Dickens after she was recently elected to the state Assembly, and is subject to a special election on Feb. 14.
Holland has filed objections against all his foes, the paper reported.
In one case, a voter supporting Holland recently filed a suit on his behalf claiming state Sen. Bill Perkins skirted the rules by collecting petition signatures to appear on the ballot prior to Mayor Bill de Blasio calling the election on Jan. 3, which is a violation, according to The New York Post.
A representative for the Perkins campaign told DNAinfo New York it hasn’t received specific names of those who signed the petition early and plans to fight the claims in court later this week.
“It's sad and disappointing that the first thing this candidate with no record in the community does is hire lawyers, hurl falsehoods and try to throw everyone off the ballot,” said Richard Fife, a spokesman for Perkins.
“Marvin Holland's 'alternative facts' and fear of the people deciding are an insult to the voters," Fife continued. "Bill Perkins has a solid record of honesty, integrity and serving the community and that's why he will win this race."
The Holland campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
