City Council Wants Bloomberg to "Sign Out" When in Bermuda

In this file photo, Mayor Bloomberg's body double is seen accompanying him to Bermuda, too.

Mayor Bloomberg has billions of dollars and five vacation homes and lives on an entirely different plane than the filthy rabble, who would probably bitterly whine if they knew how many miserable winter weekends he passes poolside in Bermuda. During his reign he's militantly hush-hushed his frequent pleasure trips, and his spokesman Stu Loeser tells the Times, "Whether he’s in Bayside, Bay Ridge, or visiting his mom in the Bay State, he’s always reachable and always in charge." Well, to paraphrase John McClane, from up here during the blizzard it didn't look like Bloomberg was in charge of jack shit. And now some members of the City Council want the peevish plutocrat to let New Yorkers know when he skips town.

The Times's sources have all but confirmed that Mayor Bloomberg was relaxing in Bermuda when Blizzageddon struck, and as a result there was confusion over who had the authority to declare a snow emergency. Hundreds of buses and other vehicles were left stranded in the streets, blocking the way for emergency vehicles and snow plows. Because of this, people died, but Bloomberg still refuses to disclose where he was during the blizzard's first crucial decision-making hours. "Leadership and decision-making powers of the mayoralty remain with the person who was elected mayor," Loeser insists.

Bloomberg has tried to placate the City Council by signing an executive order stipulating that his first deputy mayor, Patricia E. Harris, is in charge whenever he's away. But Councilman Peter F. Vallone Jr. is considering legislation that would require the mayor to let New Yorkers know whenever he leaves town for more than just a quick jaunt, and to name his designated fill-in each time. "No time should be wasted trying to figure out who is in power" in the event of an emergency, says Vallone. And such a bill could find support on the council; the Times reports that Council Speaker Christine Quinn "has signaled openness to the concept." What do you think—is it time to equip our globe-trotting mayor with a GPS ankle monitor?

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By John Del Signore in News on February 7, 2011 10:27 AM

Comments [rss]

Inconcievable de Impublishable

If you aren't going to be seeing something, say something.

spiv

I find it absurd that we even have to discuss this. Top city officials should have their whereabouts ALWAYS known. The chain of command should always be clearly defined, and who is in charge should never be in question.

If bullberg wants to take a vacation, fine, but he cannot 'rule' from afar. When POTUS leaves the territory of the US, the Vice President must remain behind, and is de-facto in charge in his absence.

The crazy thing is that when bloomf*ck goes to Bermuda, very often Ray Kelly 'hops' a ride to his Florida getaway. There is so much wrong with that scenario I don't even have the itme toe elaborate.

Without trying to specify times and distance for any legislation, if the mayor leaves the confines of NY State, he should be required to relinquish control to next in line, not his handpicked successor.

just saying

City Council only wants a "Sign out?"

I'm holding out for a streaming webcam at Bermuda Mike's 6000 sq. ft. mansion spread so we can watch our mayor in real time tanning himself by his swimming pool and enjoying the tropical good life.

Don't we deserve an opportunity to live vicariously through our billionaire mayor?

ANGRYGOD11

If anyone questions why the mayor should sign-out and state who is in charge when he or she is unavailable, please stop by where The World Trade Center was and look around.

Rod

if i disappear from my job and don't tell my boss where I am, I'd be FIRED.

END OF STORY, Mr. Bloomturd!

FallOut

Does Bloomberg ride a bike when he traipses around Bermuda?

Can TA or streetsblog provide a picture, just one single picture?

I'd love to see the Mayor practice what he preaches.