Albany is a dysfunctional place, but when there is widespread public support for something, the process has an ability to work from time to time. This week the Elections Committee considered and affirmed Hakeem Jeffries' bill to usurp the Mayor and Council's decision to extend term limits and make them put the issue to a vote. The legislation has a long way to go, but nevertheless it is going.
From PolitickerNY:
Ah yes, the State Senate. Hopefully they'll be as diligent as the Assembly is thus far. A May 1st election date is not that far away and everything must be in order quickly. I still feel that the chances of actually blocking the Mayor's re-election bid are slim, but for now, at least they aren't non-existent."While some of us, including myself, are against term limits, the City of New York spoke twice," said Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr., the committee chair.
The bill will now advance to the Ways and Means Committee. It would require a citywide referendum in New York by May 1.
Assemblyman Rob Walker, of Long Island raised concerns about whether the city Board of Elections would be prepared in time. A Diaz staffer assured him the BOE could be ready, especially if the bill is passed soon.
There is no indication it will come to the floor expediently, and still has not been approved by the relevant committees in the State Senate. A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
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