Mayor Bloomberg Makes His Third Term Limits Pitch

Photograph of Mayor Bloomberg at an event earlier this morning in Queens by Craig Ruttle/AP

Mayor Bloomberg is speaking from the Blue Room of the City Hall to announce his desire to run for mayor again. (Live webcast here.) First, he began by noting how he was saddened to hear about police lieutenant Michael Pigott's death this morning and how it compounds the tragedy of Iman Morales's death. He said Pigott left behind three children, a loving wife and an admirable career."

Changing topics, Bloomberg says, "I love this city...I have loved every day I have served as Mayor. There's nothing better than being able to make a difference in people's lives." He emphasizes how the financial crisis has left NYC in an uncertain future. Bloomberg doesn't think the job will be done when his second term is done, and points to his experience as why he'd be the person to continue to lead the city. He said he's spoken with City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and that his administration will work with her team on a bill, and if the City Council passes it, he will run for mayor again. And he'll let the voters decide whether they want to vote for him.

A reporter asked what's different about this crisis, versus September 11, 2001 (when Rudy Giuliani was mulling a third term). Bloomberg said in spite of the tragedy of 9/11, people "pulled together right away" and said "We're not going to let the terrorists take away our freedom." But the financial crisis is a global, long-term issue.

Bloomberg is positioning his potential addition to the ballot as another option for voters. He also name drops Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) who called him to say he (Reid) doesn't like term limits. He thinks term limits are good, but his issue is with two vs. three terms--it's about giving lawmakers enough time to learn about their job.

When asked if New Yorkers will view this as a power grab, Mayor Bloomberg says they can decide at the polls and either vote for him or not. Regarding reports that some staffers don't think it's a good idea for him to run again, he said that's a credit to him picking people who don't always think he's right. He wouldn't characterize them as being for or against a third term. "The bottom line is we face some tough times. I'd be honored to run again and if I'm voted again, I'd be honored to serve." He also thinks his second term has been better than his first.

Bloomberg: "This is a chance to continue the direction the city has been going in." He cites his experience in attracting some of the best people to work for the city and emphasized how he wants to make the next 455 days of his second term the best. He also said it was too early to say what party he would run under. Again, the voters can decide at the polls--and he thinks during these tough times, people like more choices. Wow, and Bloomberg cites the Chicago machine, namely Richard M. Daley as being an example of someone who has helped Chicago thrive without term limits (he called Chicago a clean, thriving city that people are moving to).

Also, there's no time to add a voter referendum on this November's ballot.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on October 2, 2008 12:22 PM

Comments [rss]

blablanyc

Mayor Bloomberg made a reference at the press conference to Mayor Richard M. Daley for being the mayor of Chicago for the past twenty years. As a matter of interest, there are many similarities between Bloomberg and Daley. Let's take a look.

Both favor gun control.

Both are advocates for privatization.

Both want the Olympics in their city.

Both sponsor "green" initiatives.

Both have promoted cycling and painted bike lanes.

Both work closely with developers.

whitecastlerock

Oh my we could back to the 80s without Mayor Mike! Ok fine- I survived the 80s with shitty administration running this city. I will happily take the risk of him not running for a third term. I am so weary of the scare tactics employed to keep the citizens docile.

JacqueMehoff

the mayor gave chicago's mayor daley as an example of why term limits are not good. they have a great mayor for a long time.

REALITY CHECK

Term limits are great when you hate the leader, but suck when you like the leader.

People who are for a third term simply because they like Bloomberg have no clue about the history of why term limits were invented in the first place.

Term limits prevent dictatorships, lessen the chances of corruption, and invite progress.

If we had no term limits, one day in the future we could have a very bad mayor that could be in office for life. Please remember that incumbency gives a huge advantage in re-election, so don't count that the people will vote out a bad mayor because they're using their civic duties wisely. Again, think about George W. Bush; he didn't get voted out.

Term limits, while not perfect, are the best thing we've got.

JacqueMehoff

he's independent all right,

independently wealthy. and so are his buddies.

I can hear the developers celebrating, no more low income housing, more tax breaks, back to building boys,

no crisis here. business as usual.

drewo

He's an opportunist using the economic "crisis" (not-really-a-crisis) the way Giuliani used 9/11 for his own ends.

He fits in perfectly with NYC social attitudes and has been a live and let give guy in that respect.

Except when he's endorsing the nanny state when it comes to smoking and transfat. I'm not fan of either of those bad habits, but I don't need the state to tell me (and spend my taxmoney forcing me) how to live my life.

In a city of 8 million people, including some of the brightest and most successful people on the planet, I think we can find more than 1 person who can serve as Mayor. Bloomy has had his time, let's respect the laws and move onto someone new.

emilydickinson

It's a pretty critical time for NYC, and we can choose to head back to the 80's or try to keep a lid on things. I haven't seen another viable person step forward.

Bloomberg has done a good job of running the city. He's an actual moderate who isn't prone to extremes. He actually knows and understands finance and isn't asleep at the switch unlike a vast majority of NY politicians. He's surrounded him self with smart people. He fits in perfectly with NYC social attitudes and has been a live and let give guy in that respect. He's also an independent so he isn't foolishly crippled by party line stances on every subject.

We shouldn't give ourselves enough rope just to follow a law that seems at the moment not be in the cities best interest. I'll vote for Bloomberg again no question. I know being reasonable is unpopular in the Gothamist comments section, but it would be reasonable to let Bloomberg run a third time, and we could use some reason in general at the moment.

brooklyn and i

the sme as Bloomberg take credit for the after 9/11 economic buildup he should take full credited for the the economic crisis

domp Bloomy

Qraymond

This is offensive to the people of New York City.

Guest

I guess Donald Trump, John A. Catsimatidi, William C. Rudin, Steven Rattner and the rest of our Überlords of Gotham couldn't find someone suitable from their ranks to take Mayor Mike's place, so they'll have to change the rules. Oh well. They know best!

OttoBloggo

Heck, let's just elect him POTUS, or--better yet--king of the world!

I am totally serious. I love the guy.

Bubba

Let's stop having elections and simply proclaim Bloomberg Mayor For Life. And when he dies he can pass the office to his daughters. I'm sure Ron Lauder will approve.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

Bloomberg stated he is only gives us more choices and doesn't listen to polls but election results. But we voted Twice for term limits and he refuses to list. He planned this along. What a crock. He gave council member Simcha Felder 5 million of our money to vote for congestion pricing. This man is just like Mugabe. Mugabe used violence to intimidate opponents and win the election. Bloomberg will use his millions. What a disgrace.

shinyshiny

“The presidential candidates were right: Main Street IS more important than Wall Street. So I woke up this morning and decided to officially change the name Wall Street to Main Street,” said Bloomberg.