Spin Cycle

David Yassky, minutes after pushing the referendum bill, voted for the Council bill to extend term limits, with the basic rationale that it's an imperfect choice -- and he draws static in the chamber. He says this is not a matter of being pro-Bloomberg.

Leticia James rips the arguments that this bill will give voters "choice." Charles Barron says term limits have increased minority representation in the Council and put many members there.

Peter Vallone Jr. said the "cool" arguments for "a democratic ideal" are on the side of voting "no" on the extension, but that he's doing the right thing for the district -- an interesting take on the concept of "cool."

Tony Avella: "Why do we think we have the power in this body to overturn what the people have voted for twice?" Legislative reversal is "an absolute disgrace." "Why did they wait til now? They waited until it was too late to have a referendum."

Are you finished, asked Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, who presides.

"I think I'm thoroughly finished," says Avella, drawing a laugh in the chamber.

Lew Fidler now argues on the merits of term limits. "I'm pleased the billionaires have finally come around to my point of view," he says. "I am urging my colleagues to vote for good government...."

Oliver Koppell (D-Bronx), the former state attorney general: "We are acting within the rules... On the CCRB there was a referendum and this legislature then changed (it)..." He makes a bizarre soccer analogy.

The debate goes on.