Tarik Abdelazim, the Democratic candidate for Binghamton mayor, says it's time to stop auctioning off tax foreclosed properties in the city.

Abdelazim on Tuesday said auctioning sites in "struggling neighborhoods is a recipe for disaster."

Speaking with reporters in front of a foreclosed property on Way Street on the city North Side, Abdelazim said he would work with the county and its Land Bank to end a "cycle of decline." He said steps should be taken to ensure "problem properties" wind up in "responsible hands."

Abdelazim said "slumlords and out-of-town speculators" often buy properties at tax auctions only to collect rent checks while allowing conditions to deteriorate.

Abdelazim said he would work to do more to protect city neighborhoods from blight. He said he would act to make sure people seeking to buy properties know they'll be responsible for making them safe before they can be rented.

Abdelazim has served as Binghamton deputy mayor and as director of planning, housing and community development. He is challenging incumbent Mayor Richard David, a Republican who is seeking a second four-year term.

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