Orna Barbiebai, a member of Knesset from Yesh Atid, announced today (Wednesday) her candidacy for mayor of Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
In a statement she made together with opposition leader Yair Lapid, Barbievi announced that from now on she intends to dedicate herself to running in the mayoral elections to be held in four months.
""The time has come to return Tel Aviv-Jaffa to its residents. To keep it a free and diverse city, to develop it as an economic and cultural hub, and to return the fruits of investment to the residents," said Barbibai. "The city needs to be happier, more organized, and more open to its residents. In recent years, we have witnessed a loss of control in the management of many projects, and the residents are exhausted from trying to maintain a safe and comfortable lifestyle. This requires leadership and experience in managing large systems, which I bring.".
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Barbiebai called on the incumbent mayor not to run for mayor again this time: "Ron Huldai is a good mayor who has contributed a lot. I believe that after 25 years in office, Ron, who loves the city, will show responsibility and not run. At this crucial time, it is his job to ensure that Tel Aviv-Yafo passes into the right hands.".
Her party chairman Yair Lapid also joined her call: "I want to say a word about the elephant in the room – about my friend Ron Huldai. I appreciate and even like Ron, but it's time for a change. No person, no matter how talented, can do the same job for more than 25 years at the same level and with the same quality. It's time to pass the baton to the appropriate replacement.".
""Under Orna's leadership, Tel Aviv will be strengthened as the capital of Israeli liberalism, a city of pride, culture, and nightlife. A city that is also the economic center of the country, the center of protest, and the center of music, theater, and museums," he added. "This city today needs energetic management, new momentum, and abilities that only Orna can bring to the table. In recent years, I have worked closely with Orna in the Knesset and in the government. She is one of the best administrators I have ever met, and she is a leader who knows how to lead people.".
