Michael Bloomberg gets chance at third term as New York mayor
Citing the fiscal crisis, the City Council approves the extension of term limits in what critics call an end run around voters' wishes.
Reporting from New York — New York's City Council on Thursday opened the door to a third term for billionaire Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who has argued that his business and political experience is needed to lead the city through its financial challenges.
After a day of debate, the council approved legislation allowing city officeholders -- including council members -- to serve three consecutive four-year terms. Bloomberg's second term is up at the end of next year.
Bloomberg proposed the term-limits extension three weeks ago, which did not leave enough time to get a measure on the November ballot through the voter referendum process.
Given the dire economic outlook, said council members in favor of the change, they could not risk waiting.
"At a time when our city is facing the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression, this action today will give New Yorkers the choice -- the opportunity -- a year or so from now to go to the voting booth and decide whether or not they want to keep the leadership of the city of New York," City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn said.
The tough fiscal decisions that lie ahead, she said, could include cutting government spending or raising taxes. "At a time like this, what you need is New Yorkers to have the opportunity to have . . . folks at the helm who have been at the helm," Quinn said.
The council passed the measure in a 29-22 vote.
Outside City Hall, some residents criticized the action, calling it a conflict of interest to allow council members to vote on a law that would directly affect them.
"Bloomberg wants to stay in office, and all these council members are going to ride his coattails," said Tosh Anderson, 37, who stood outside with his 2-year-old son as the council convened in a packed meeting room.
Critics of the rule change pointed out that in 2002 Bloomberg vetoed a term-limits extension. Now, they said, he was ignoring the wishes of voters who twice approved term limits in the 1990s.
"Prior to this, we voted no [on an extension]. That should have been the end of it," said Joyce Jones, 46, a Brooklyn resident who hovered outside the chambers with dozens of other New Yorkers trying to listen in on the discussion. "To bring it up among themselves is anti-constituent."
"It's an abuse of power," said Akinlabi Mackall, 60, of Manhattan.
"He is a mayor whose time is up."
- Bloomberg Vetoes Lead Paint Cleanup Dec 20, 2003
- Leaders in Both Parties Call for Lobbying Curbs Feb 17, 2006
- Bloomberg to try for 3rd term Oct 01, 2008
