Bloomberg wants a third term. That's against the law. So he's hired someone to help him force some temporary legislation through.
Ron Lauder:
"This afternoon I met with Mayor Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion. We had an in-depth and positive discussion about term limits and the pending legislation before the City Council. As many people know, I have been a fervent supporter of term limits for many years. My personal belief in ordinary times is that two terms is the appropriate number.
"However, these are extraordinary times and we are in the midst of a financial emergency. For those reasons, I will reluctantly support the Mayor's legislation to extend term limits to three terms, with the understanding that I will serve on a Charter Revision Commission which will place the question of the number of terms before the voters in 2010. At that point, I will vigorously support a return to a two-term limit. The people have spoken before and will speak again; until then, this is the best solution to make sure we have a steady hand at the wheel during this financial emergency."
Translation:
We really need term limits. Except for my buddy Michael. After that, though, we'll make sure everyone has to respect term limits.
Bush is going to be pulling this in three-four weeks.
