New York, NY – Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who sparked criticism by pushing to overturn term limits as part of an effort to clear his way for a second run for re-election, said that he has a “commitment” to place the issue on the election ballot.
Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
In March, Mr. Bloomberg appointed a 15-person Charter Revision Commission to examine potential changes to the city constitution.
The panel members—all of whom were selected by the mayor—have final say over what issues will be before voters.
On his weekly radio show, Mr. Bloomberg said there is a “commitment to have something on the ballot for two terms—yes or no—and if it’s no, then it stays at three terms.”
The mayor’s comment offers a glimpse into how he expects the issue to be presented to the voters. The commission is slated to hold a hearing on this topic at Brooklyn Borough Hall on May 25.
In October 2008, at Mr. Bloomberg’s urging, the City Council overturned the city’s term limits law that prohibited elected officials from serving more than two four-year terms. The mayor signed the bill into law in November, paving the way for his successful 2009 bid for a third term.
The decision to overturn term limits proved very contentious, with some political observers saying it contributed to Mr. Bloomberg’s narrow margin of victory. In the 1990s, voters backed the law limiting elected officials to two terms in two separate referendums.
Mr. Bloomberg hasn’t said publicly whether he favors keeping the three-term limit or reverting to two, said Stu Loeser, a spokesman. The mayor has promised not to seek a fourth term. In discussing other charter issues, the mayor voiced strong support Friday for abolishing partisan primaries.
In 2003, Mr. Bloomberg spent $7.48 million of his personal fortune to convince voters to approve nonpartisan elections.
The proposal failed with 70% voting against it.
Mr. Bloomberg said he opposes any effort to eliminate the position of borough president but he encouraged the commission to consider eliminating the public advocate job.
While the mayor said that the public advocate, Bill de Blasio, is “doing a good job,” Mr. Bloomberg added that a case can be made that “you don’t need” the position to be a part of city government.
Bloomberg just wont give up. Didn’t we vote on this before?
Party affiliation is important, as one should know what to expect. No one system is fool proof and Bloomberg is a very good example, but it’s still better than having people run for a post and than change their positions without facing some sort of backlash by the party.
what a hypocrite, when he wants a third term we have no vote. Now that he got himself a third term he’s reverting back to democracy.
here he goes again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
trying to get a 4th term
I give him credit. He knows exactly what fools are entering the voting booths at every election and he is using it to his advantage! Mr. Bloomberg! You are the best, if we are as stupid as we are to buy your agenda again and again then ure the man!
VOTE NO!!! Bloomberg is killing NYC with his attack on the somple people. He is an arrogant liberal minded snob!
How disingenuous of Bloomberg, the people spoke twice cut the BS.
What a dictator!! No way no. More Mic! We had enough!!
Bloomberg jets around the world on his private jet, while at the same time cuts the subways and busses for the common people.
Dictator Mayer Michael Bloomberg is running for his 7th term. He will be spending $42 billion for his campaign. The mayer promises new housing in the Navy Yard (same promised in 2001) and promises to close the last bus line still running, to cut the budget. The 5 main streets that were still open for cars will be closed the only transportation allowes will be bikes, to save the enviorment. The Mayor started to go from & to his private jet with a bike because he wnts to save the enviorment.
Vote Yes, it won’t help for Bloomy, but it will put him to shame forever that he denied the will of the people (we know how much respect this arrogant millionaire demands…) and this is a protest vote against his 3rd term.