There are 40,000 rent-regulated apartments in his district. But Velella is a lot more conservative. He endorsed Ron Lauder against Rudy Giuliani in the 1989 GOP primary for mayor. An essentially back-room and neighborhood politician like Velella is not used to being forced into the broader media spotlight. But the fierce rent war affects too many people directly for Velella to slither in the shadows, below the media's radar screen.
Rent protections expire in nine days.
It appears that Guy Velella can no longer hide. And he may not be able to run again if he votes against his district and breaks this public promise, no matter how reluctantly given.