Did He Forget That L.A. Is Closer?

By DAVID ELLIS/

Crime, grime and red ink have apparently clouded the ability of New York City Mayor David Dinkins to recognize a good deal. When Japan Airlines launched a Big Apple tourism program, officials were dismayed to discover that Hizzoner was too busy to pose for a publicity picture for the campaign. JAL estimates that the ad inviting young Japanese to go "New Yorking" could attract 23,000 tourists and bring $73 million to the city. In print and TV spots, JAL portrays New York City as a nonthreatening, nonstop party town. Apologetic city officials say they don't have a record of the request. The incident has left airline executives feeling nostalgic about ex-Mayor Ed Koch, who would "always take a moment to pose for a picture with our people."

With reporting by DANIEL S. LEVY