A few weeks ago New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced his intention to run for a third term. This entails changing the current two-term limit on the position to three terms. Permanently.
The vote for the term extension could take place as soon as Thursday and New York City districts are still split on their decision with 19 districts against the extension, 14 in favor of it and 18 still undecided, according to an article in Thursday's New York Times.
For it or against it, the biggest question for these districts and the voters living in them should be why Bloomberg wants to stay office.
And, so far, the reasons seem slim to none.
Bloomberg has said he's up to the challenge of facing the current economic crisis, citing his business savvy and talking about a "planned slowdown" in New York. Is that it? Is that all Mayor Bloomberg has to say for himself in regards to this monumental change?
After all, this is a monumental decision. Bloomberg would only be the fourth New York City mayor in history to serve a third term, and if his reason hinges on his business experience alone, that is just not enough.
What about this slowdown he's talking about? Had Bloomberg perhaps given specifics on this "New York slowdown" or any other constructed plans for helping the city, and state, through economic woes, maybe his request to change the law would be more substantial.
And let us not forget the permanence of changing a law like this. George Washington set the standard for two terms over 200 years ago and, for the most part, this decision should be followed.
If Bloomberg wants to help his city through this crisis, he should provide a structured plan of action and run a legitimate campaign like everyone else. Should he not do this, he should not be mayor come next spring.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
