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Now that the City Council's 29-22 voted to extend term limits from two terms to three yesterday--paving the way for Mayor Bloomberg and a bevy of other officials, including Council members, to run for re-election--there lawsuits are coming in. Two have been filed and the NY Times says many more are expected (term limits votes winners: Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Quinn, lawyers!).
Quinn, an ally of Bloomberg's, had tried to play up the economic reality as a reason for term limits, "Our city, already in recession, is headed for a long and deep downturn. In challenging times like these, the voters should have the choice, the choice to continue their current leadership. They should have the right to vote for their current mayor or a new one, for their current City Council member or a new one."
However, those who voted against the extension were upset. The Daily News has this quote from member Tony Avella: "The public of this city knows the fix was in." Council member Charles Barron, no stranger to Council drama, said, "The mayor is a loser today. His legacy will be forever tainted."
You can see how City Council members voted--and how that differed from earlier stated positions--with NY1's tally. CityRoom looks at how City Council member Darlene Mealy changed her mind: She went from opposing the extension alongside City Comptroller Bill Thompson on the steps of City Hall to voting yes. Barron said, "They put unbelievable pressure on her in a way that may have been unethical." Mealy, described as being in tears last week, refused to discuss her decision.
The Post and Daily News have editorials about the vote--both think it's a good thing, with the News calling it a "win for democracy" while the Post says it's better to have the choice of Bloomberg in '09 given the economy -- but the Times doesn't, because it has a huge endorsement for Barack Obama.
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wut.
I love it when these two right-wing billionaires, Ron Lauder and Tom Galisano, get thwarted in their attempts to buy elections - in this case a referendum - despite their millions spent or threatened to be spent. Lauder, a trust-fund brat, never had a real job his entire life, but spends $4 million on a slick ad campaign to convince a minority of the electorate that this is what is best for them.
When was the last time a billionaire spent a dime of what is best for you! Thankfully we live in a representative democracy.
Now, if you don't like how your rep voted, fine: don't vote for him/her. Now THAT is real democracy, not democracy bought and paid for from the checkbook of a trust-funder.
The King is Dead! All Hail the King!
It's a shame this passed -- I really liked Bloomberg but this really tarnishes his reputation.
I doubt the lawsuits will do much to stop him.
I would've easily voted for Bloomberg a third time had he let the public vote on abolishing term limits, but now I'm voting against him out of principle.
it will be the happiest day of my life when this ego-maniacal turd and his billions go down in flames.
Hubris. A lot of it going around in politics these days.
#2, are you for a representative democracy or direct democracy? Make up your mind, you contradicted yourself.
Term limits, Bloomberg and billionaires cloud the issue.
The issue is, the City Council exercised their legal right to vote how they see fit, despite the two referenda from public votes.
The Council, by voting representatively, have superseded a direct democratic vote. Nearsighted people see this as an issue about Bloomberg or Lauder. Smart people see this as a grave indicator of the future of city politics and the purpose of democracy.
Screw Bloomberg and the asslicking toads in the City Council. Two terms to turn NYC into an enclave for his useless pals wasn't enough, he needs one more to make sure people can't even afford cardboard boxes to live in.
developers are rubbing their hands together and popping champagne.
and singing, happy days are here again.
sadly he'll get re-elected.
don't get me started on his "girlfriend" another trust fund, silver spoon, spoilt khunt who hates interacting with regular people. hiding behind the blue wall for protection.
Upper EAST Siders, Jessica Lappin make a deal with QUINN. Lappin should be voted out next year. She voted no on the public referendum to give it back to the people. Quinn knew she had enough support for the Mayor's bill but she enlisted Lappin and other to stop the bill for a public vote to pass. Kick Lappin out next year
What's to stop Rudy Giuliani from making a bid for a third term?
P.S. I'm glad Jessica Lappin voted the way she did. She'll be getting my vote next time around.
Round 1
Voters: "We want term limits."
Round 2
Voters: "We still want term limits."
Round 3
City Council: "We don't think we should have term limits - FTW!"
Yeah, this is similar to when those in government, no matter whether it is local, state, or Federal, decide to vote themselves a raise in salary. It's wrong and the people should revolt.
#8 good points.
However, I thought I made it clear that I prefer a representative democracy over a pure democracy.
how could this poll be so close?? they cant all be rich agreeing with the decision. dont they realize their rights are being violated?
dumb asses. bloomberg rot in hell.
didnt the issue of third term come up before? was it giuliani?
oooh, sorry he wanted to extend his term. thats right, after sept. 11
at a time that he was VERY needed and that was noT allowed. oh yeah because someone with more money was better able to handle it. NOT.