Term Limit Update, The People Are Starting To Get It

The latest polling of the city shows that as more and more of us read about what exactly the Mayor is trying to do, the more they disapprove of it. While Mayor Bloomberg has decent numbers, a change of the term limits law by referenda is supported by more than nine to one. Furthermore, it seems that many people still support term limits because they have done some good for us and allowed for more people to run for office. Bloomberg and his minions say that it this legislative decree would give us more choice. Yet with his money and the power of incumbency as it is, there really isn't much choice for our polity. Thankfully one more Council member saw that and cast his lot with the people yesterday.

From The NY Daily News:

Councilman/Senator-in-waiting Hiram Monserrate publicly declared his opposition to Mayor Bloomberg's term limits extension bill this afternoon, bringing the "no" tally to 20.

Not a huge surprise here. There isn't all that much Monserrate, a short-timer on the Council, might want (except maybe something Willetts Point-related, which apparently is more than the mayor is willing to give) since he's got a near-lock on the Queens Senate seat that once belonged to John Sabini.

UPDATE: A Queens observer points out that Monserrate, while he has a historiy as an outspoken independent, was under intense pressure from the Bloomberg administration, which enlisted the assistance of the borough's Democratic chairman, Rep. Joe Crowley.

Congratulations to Hiram for making the right choice. Now we just need six more votes, so find out where your Council member stands and tell them it's our decision to make, not a chance to use a flawed charter to circumvent the people's will.