New President; Old Problems
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Obama Inherits a Mess. He Promised To Change America. Can He Do It?
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November 13, 2008 - It has been nine days since Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, and he appears to be off to a good start. His acceptance speech on Election Night hit the right grace notes, as Senator John McCain did in his statement of concession. It seemed that, relieved of the burden of campaigning, the two men could now revert to being normal, decent people.
In small matters the President-elect has shown tact and charm; immediately apologizing by |
What's the Charter Between Good Friends?
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Mayor Signs Term Extender After Three Unusual Hearings; Disputed Issue to Be Decided by Courts
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November 4, 2008 - We waited a day before commenting on the Mayor’s hearing on the Term Limits Extension Act of 2008, in which the two public referenda that first established and then upheld an eight-year term limit for elected city officials were officially put to rest.
The matter now goes to the courts and the Justice Department, and there are valid grounds to challenge the law. There is a feeling, however, that the city may prevail. Just as the Federal |
More Attitude, Less Gratitude
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After Prolonging Their Tenure, Councilmembers Turn on Mayor, Challenging Him on Substance
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October 31, 2008 - “Beware. Answered prayers cause more tears than unanswered ones.”
- St. Theresa of Avila (1515-1582).
Mayor Bloomberg has reason to consider St. Theresa’s wise words. On Thursday, the Council extended the term limit on city elected officials from eight to twelve years. The act is in direct contravention of Section 1138 of the New York City Charter, which was adopted by the voters in 1993, and reaffirmed by the |
Monday Morning Workout
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Mayor to Hold Hearing On Council Legislation Overturning Referenda
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October 30, 2008 - The next episode in the term limits drama will take place Monday morning when Mayor Bloomberg holds the legally required public hearing on the Charter amendment extending term limits, which was passed by the City Council on October 23.
The hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. The site is the Blue Room of City Hall, where proceedings of this nature usually take place. All those who appear and ask to speak have traditionally been given |
