While the term limits extension legislation was passed by the City Council last week, the public does have the chance to speak up when Mayor Bloomberg signs the bill on Monday. Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum points out, "The voices mainly heard on this subject were elected officials and the newspapers themselves. Contrary to what some are saying, there was very little opportunity for public input or dialogue... That's why I urge New Yorkers to use their last chance on Monday to speak face to face with the mayor before he signs the term limits bill."
Representative Anthony Weiner, who is running for mayor in 2009, hopes for big turnout, "The Mayor and the City Council may be able to take your vote away, but they can't take away your right to speak. I hope every New Yorker comes out and tells the Mayor that the people should have the right to vote on term limits." Today at 11:30 a.m., Representative Weiner will be at City Hall to rally the public to attend on Monday. And he'll be joined by Rachel Trachtenberg, the 14-year-old who testified during the City Council's hearings (and essentially stole the limelight--even from former governor Mario Cuomo). You can see more of her handwritten speech at Limewire, but here's one page:
At LetNYCVote.com, you can sign up to attend the bill signing/hearing on Monday, 9:30 a.m. at City Hall's Blue Room.
Top photograph of City Hall by chrisinphilly on Flickr
