On Term Limits

There's an interesting political story brewing in New York City in which I have absolutely no stake, but I'm fascinated by it nonetheless. Mayor Michael Bloomberg is nearing the end of his second term. Like the US Constitution, the governing law of NYC limits the chief executive to two terms in office. Not satisfied, Bloomberg is seeking to have the limit revoked and plans to seek a third term. And it appears to be working - City Council approved the move, 29-22, yesterday. Already, two lawsuits have been filed challenging the vote, which also killed similar term limit provisions for most city offices (including City Council).

To me, this seems like a whole big plate full of wrong. Honestly, I've never liked the idea of term limits. If a particular constituency wants to send the same person back to represent them year after year, who is anyone else to stop them? After all, the reason that folks like Bob Byrd, Ted Stevens, and John McCain keep going back to DC is that the folks in West Virginia, Alaska, and Arizona like how they represent those states' interests. Who cares if Ohioans or Texans find them annoying?

Having said that, if they're already in place it's not wise to meddle with them, particularly not for the benefit of one particular politician. It's the same as when there was some talk of removing the native-born citizen requirement for President from the Constitution when Arnold Schwarzenegger's political star was first rising - maybe there are good reasons for chucking that requirement, but it should give pause that some particular person wants it done. Remember when, in the wake of 9/11, Rudy floated the idea of extending his term? Same thing.

Maybe Bloomberg is the best mayor NYC could have. Or maybe he's just another power hungry politician out to enrich his own ego. Regardless - the voters of NYC can always send him packing on their own.