Third Party for Bloomberg's Third Term

The Post reports that notable independent Mayor Michael Bloomberg will "likely...create a new third party for his re-election bid next year, while also seeking support from major parties." Ah, that's the opportunist mayor we know, who changed from a Democrat to a Republican in time for the 2001 election and then shed the GOP coat to go beyond partisan politics last year! The Mayor is expected to make his third term announcement at noon today.

The NY Times spoke to "more than a dozen government officials and independent economic experts" about Bloomberg's fiscal stewardship--since Bloomberg is likely to argue that he's the best person to lead NYC during the financial downturn--and found a mixed record. While he has "deft short-term financial management," the city's pension and health care spending has grown tremendously.

The Mayor's fate lies in the hands of the City Council, which must approve legislation to overturn term limits--he met with City Council Speaker Christine Quinn yesterday. But many members who previously said they would support overturning term limits now aren't sure if they want to vote for it, since their constituents are getting upset. City Councilmember John Liu told the Post, "We shouldn't have Mayor Bloomberg and a couple dozen people overturn the will of the people. I cannot and will not support this. The reality is this is far bigger than me and my colleagues. This is a billionaire's game."

A "person close" to Bloomberg tells the Daily News, "He really thinks - and he is right - that he has a lot to add and a lot of things have been started at the city level that need to be completed. He loves the job and he's really good at it. So why wouldn't he run? Why deny the voters an extra choice? If they don't want him to be mayor, then don't vote for him."

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 10:27 AM

Comments [rss]

Wza

Jacque...I saw the same letter this morning.

Also:

http://www.observer.com/2008/real-estate/big-real-estate-would-love-bloomberg-triplex

JacqueMehoff

he's playing the Fear card.

but no one is buying it. just compare the reader comments on the Daily news four years ago and today.

much different.

JacqueMehoff

did anyone see that letter in the daily news of richie rich billionaires who want the city council to let him run?

those people ruined NYC.

Leon Freilich

NEED TO LEAD

Wall Street's thrown the economy for a loss:

Bloomberg for mayor, Buffet for recovery boss.

Wza

Amen Felix!

I agree with John Liu.

theevilone

I'm fine with a ballot measure about term limits, but people can effectively do the same thing voting - if you don't think he deserves a third term, vote for someone else. I, for one, think he's been great and will be happy to have him continue.

NannyState

Third party? Let me guess: "The Bloomberg Party".

Rob T Firefly

#5, YES. Yes so much. The City's residents voted term limits in, they should be the ones who decide whether or not to vote them out again.

redhookreject

Fuck it, lets just make him KING. But he has to wear a crown 24/7 and carry septor. and of course refer to us as his subjects.

God save our gracious King,

Long live our noble King,

God save the King!

Send him victorious,

Happy and glorious,

Long to reign over us,

God save Bloomberg!

this is just unreal. and flying under the news radar because of the presidential election economic bad times.

and Bloomberg's total hypocrisy if you remember back in the days following 9/11 when Rudy wanted a third term to 'keep us all safe', Mike said NOOOOOO. and as we all expected to be discussing Mayor Green on the first Wednesday of 2001 there where shock headlines of Mayor Bloomberg.

I have an idea. All that money she spends to win office, donate to a trust for the poor of the city. One man does not make a city.

billybob

I just don't get why we can't let the city vote on term limits, that's the most annoying thing.

gromek

hooraay...now Giuliani can run again! with wall street crumbling, we're gonna need him to protect us from the hordes of savages that will start pillaging the city 70's style

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

Neither McCain nor Obama wants Bloomberg even though his rich clients were pushing for it. Bloomberg gave over 5 million of our tax money to council member Simcha Felder to vote for congestion pricing. I knew it smelled when Bloomberg was campaigning for Felder. Don't vote for anyone Bloomberg supports. He is such spreading his power. This includes council member Michael McMahon (staten island) and James Gennaro who sold their votes for their own interest. They both voted to give themselves a raise and they both are for extending term limits. Also forget obout Gale Brewer, Oliver koppell and christine Quinn, they want to overturn term limits since day 1.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

"he dilberately avoide a referendum.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

"why should he run? because he and his rich buddies overturn the will of millions of New Yorkers. EVen if you like him. you should be outrage that he dilberately a referendum since he knew voters were against it. He planned this for months and met with the New York Post, New york times and New York daily news. He rich cronies met with Ron lauder and others like Gov. Paterson to remove all oppositions. This is disgusting. No public forums and votes. Bloomberg is the new Mugabe and we should vote all those in favor of overturning our votes out of office. Americans are fighting overseas for freedom and we have no voice in NYC. wth???