Sparks fly at (NYC) term-limits hearing

[brooklynite]

Source: Crain's New York Business

The public hearing on Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposed term-limits extension got off to a fiery start Thursday as former Gov. Mario Cuomo tangled with extension opponent Charles Barron, a Brooklyn councilman.

Mr. Cuomo, the first to testify at what was expected to be a marathon session at City Hall, said he’s against term limits of any kind. “You let the voters make the decision in what’s called an election,” he told members of the council’s Government Operations Committee, which hosted the hearing. “I know it works. It made me a private citizen in 1994.”

The former governor, who lost to George Pataki that year, added, “It was a mistake to adopt them, and you should get rid of them in any legal manner you can find.”

...snip...

The mayor, who was not present, has said he should be returned for a third term to deal with the economic downturn. His bill would not ban term limits, which were adopted by referendum in 1993, but would extend them to three full terms for city officials. A 1996 referendum to do exactly that failed as 54% of voters opposed it.

Read more: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/FREE/810169977/1097/newsletter01

[Just-plain-Kathy]

1. Saddam Hussein didn't like term limits either. ...n/t

[aquart]

2. How amazingly irrelevant.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

5. Ya think? What's next, Bush doesn't like term limits?

[Bob3]

3. I think Mike's not being very smart here

With things as bad as they look to be in New York economics wise, with what looks like a democratic President and a very Democratic House and Senate - I can't help but think that a Republican Billionaire who made his money on Wall Street isn't really going to be the flavor of the month.

[gingersnaps1]

4. I am so against this idea of overturning term limits.

Mayor Bloomberg, thanks but no thanks. You can go now.

This just smacks of being a meglomaniac to think that only he alone can save NYC while Wall Street is faltering. Gimme a break.

Get outta here

[Renew Deal]

6. I don't have a problem changing the law, but it should take affect after Bloomy leaves office

He knew the rules when he was elected. On the other hand, voters can enforce this if they like.

[bemildred]

7. Term limits are a bad idea.

What we need is honest elections, public campaign finance laws, and well-informed voters. While we are on the subject, we OUGHT to repeal the two-term limit on Presidents too; If you have a good President that is keeping the voters happy, why should he be forced to retire?