With can-do stance on marathon, mayor misreads NYC

NEW YORK (AP) - Before he canceled the New York City Marathon, Mayor Michael Bloomberg told New Yorkers the race would be a boost for the economy and inspire the city to move on after a devastating storm.

But Bloomberg offended flood-weary residents who said the billionaire businessman can be tone-deaf in a crisis.

Joan Wacks, whose home was flooded on Staten Island, says Bloomberg is supposed to lead New York, "but he's really the mayor of Manhattan.''

Bloomberg cited the economy as a reason to keep the marathon going, saying it would bring in $340 million.

It isn't the first time Bloomberg has drawn criticism for public remarks in a crisis. During a 2010 blizzard, he urged New Yorkers to go see a Broadway show, even while many were snowbound on unplowed streets.