By Nick Christophers

Club impresario/producer Noel Ashman recently hosted a private fundraiser for close friend and Mayoral candidate, Bo Dietl. Bo’s background is an impressive one as it spans almost two decades and is filled with all types of accomplishments, from being the inspiration for the film “Bad Lieutenant” to a guest-starring role on “Law & Order” the NBC crime drama.

The fundraiser which was held in Manhattan had a potpourri of guests from all walks of life. From actors like Lou Martini Jr (Sopranos) and Steven Stanulis, producers like Ken Simmons (Cool Man Luke) to writers like Christina Freedman. The catering was sponsored by Nino’s Ristorante Italiano, which was more than succulent. It was a full house as Bo moved around the room and greeted everyone one on one. He was dynamic in his approach and open to talk with anyone. Also in attendance were Vincent Pastore(Sopranos), Cheyenne Eliott (Whitney Houston”s niece & Dionne Warwick”s granddaughter), Hope Perelman (daughter of Ron Perelaman), Caron Bernstein (supermodel) and Nick Raynes (billionaire grandson of Marvin Davis).

After all the mingling he opened the floor with this “game plan” for making New York great again the Bo Dietl way. He talked about areas that all New Yorkers can relate to like; poverty, education, jobs and the litter of homeless that has taken over certain areas of the city.

It was refreshing that he was not depending on “dirty politics” to get him to become Mayor but hard cold facts. He discussed the need to find work for kids graduating high school to be a high priority.

“I want to go talk to the Building Trade Commission to hire the youth as apprentices or laborers. A kid who is not working is prone to getting himself into trouble. I need to go to the private sector and get them geared up. They are making millions in the financial district let them spread the wealth to the rest of the city.”

Besides that he mentioned the need for companies to realize the importance of experience rather than just saving a dollar. Many men and women who are in their late 40’s or early fifties who lost their job for many reasons are finding it difficult to acquire a job.

“You can’t buy experience. Especially when it comes to age the older the wiser, if I can help in this area I will. I respect someone who is older than me I may learn a thing or two.”

Bo is not going to challenge Mayor DeBlasio in the primaries instead he will be running as an independent. He is not running Republican or Democrat he is running for the people as he explained. Judging from his track record he is a tough act to follow.

In 1986 he was nominated for the US Congress buy the 6^th Congressional District and if that honor was not enough three years later President George H.W. Bush appointed him as co-chairman to the National Crime Commission. Then to top it off in 1994 Governor Pataki hand-picked Bo as the chairman of the New York State Security Guard Advisory Council, which he still is involved in.

These honorable mentions enabled him to serve as the security consultant to the Republican National Convention and as director of security for the New York State Republican Convention.

Bo has accomplished many positive things in his 60 plus years but he is far from over. He is determined to make the city he loves so much a more impressive and safe place for all to enjoy.

Whether it is a native New Yorker or a tourist they are all the same in his eyes. This fundraiser will act as a springboard to catapult Bo into what the city probably needs; an unselfish Mayor.