New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn says she'll stick with the term-limits law as it is -- undoubtedly part of some calculus involving 2009 when the mayoralty comes open after two terms under Michael Bloomberg.
She and other contenders for speaker to succeed the term-limited Manhattanite Gifford Miller last year spoke about the various downsides of the term-limit law, including loss of experience and continuity. That was certainly the popular position among incumbents on the Council facing ouster. But that was then and this is now, and even an extension of the limit from two terms to three has already been rejected once at the polls (Giuliani and Vallone had pushed that one) and you can see how it might look risky for the Council to push a change through on its own without mayoral support -- Bloomberg has said repeatedly the law should remain as is.
Dan Janison
Quinn's full statement is below:
"After careful consideration and discussions with my colleagues in the Council, I have decided not to pursue a change in New York City's term limit law. I will neither support legislation nor will I seek or support a new referendum eliminating or altering term limits.
"Over the last two years, the City Council has pursued an agenda of reform and democratization. We have strengthened our lobbying and campaign finance laws, increased transparency in the budget process and improved our constituent services by implementing CouncilStat. I believe that overruling the will of New Yorkers - who have voted twice in favor of term limits - would be anti-democratic and anti-reform.
"While our City is certainly doing well, we still face many challenges. On education, jobs, housing and health care, working New Yorkers need our help. That means the Council and the Administration must focus our attention on these critical issues and not be distracted by a political debate over term limits - a matter that has already been settled by the voters.
"I look forward to working with my colleagues over the next two years to make New York and an even greater place to live.
Comments (2)
RE: Change to NYC Term Limits
First off, The Office of Public Advocate should be abolished as it has been signaled as being the most useless, do nothing office in America local government.
Second, That is very nice of Quinn to stand for the people she works for "The voting public"....Who have Voted TWICE for the Term Limits Law. The people have spoken, two terms and you are out. Quinn should do her job and come out against this movement Now!
Now the City Council is in panic as most would have to leave and find real jobs. Make a living.
No more voting at the do nothing Council of Bicycle Helmets, Metal or Wooden baseball bats for little leagues, Transfats at McDonalds, Street Namings and their newest joke of debate....Old Ladies Feeding Pigeons in the City Parks.
Jim Kelly - NY Conservative Campaigns
Every three years of so, council members try to conspire to derail term limits which city voters voted overwhelemingly twice for. I think term limits has been great for the city and let's face it, without them, Quinn would still be working for Tom Duane.