The mayor's comments came during an appearance on progressive radio program "Democracy Now!"
NEWARK - Mayor Ras Baraka had strong words for Gov. Chris Christie during an appearance on a progressive radio program Monday, saying Christie "lives in his own mind" and lacks understanding about the problems facing New Jersey's cities.
In the conversation with Democracy Now!, Baraka was asked about Christie's 2014 characterization of him as a "kind of hostile guy" - which he dismissed as little more than rhetoric aimed at rallying his conservative base.
"Well, you know, Christie, I think lives in his own mind," he said. "The reality is, the meeting we had was nothing close to hostile. I think that was to play out to his supporters, and which is what he does every day -- every time he says something on the TV, on the radio."
The two politicians have managed to work together over the last year, notably by agreeing to begin the process of returning Newark's schools to local control after more than two decades of state oversight.
Baraka called their relationship "transactional", saying they had been able to cordially converse about economic development and other "needs" either might need to communicate.
Those conversations, however, have left the mayor with the impression that Christie remains "out of touch with what needs to happen in these inner cities," he told the program.
"I think he's completely has no idea what to do in these communities. As a matter fact, I think the things that he has done has inhibited growth in these cities for the most part," he said.
Christie spokesman Kevin Roberts did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Listen to Baraka's full interview with Democracy Now! here.
Dan Ivers may be reached at divers@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanIversNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
