U.S. Rep. Velázquez: Changing Term Limits for Bloomberg Violates Voting Rights

Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he wants the City Council to change the NYC's term-limits law and allow him another four years. A looming City fiscal crisis is the justification of the moment.

However, not everyone agrees that tampering with term limits is a good idea. Mayoral wannabes Congressman Anthony Weiner and Comptroller Bill Thompson--both Brooklynites--are, of course, opposed.

But so is LI's sole Latino Congressional Rep. - Nydia Velazquez (D-Brooklyn/Queens).

“It is totally wrong. It is totally un-American. It is totally undemocratic to overturn the people’s will that has been expressed clearly in two different referendums.

I reject the notion that, because of the fiscal crisis, we should use this as an opportunity to overturn the people’s will. New York City is one of the most resilient cities in the nation. It was shown after 9/11, when Giuliani wanted to use the attack as an argument to turn back the people’s will. This would be wrong. It’s morally wrong. And I will pose the question: Is it legal?”

More specifically, Ms. Velázquez said that any changes enacted by the City Council after the two referendums would have to be approved by the United States Department of Justice’s civil rights division, since three of New York’s boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx — are protected under the federal Voting Rights Act.

Links:
Term Limit Plan Called ‘Totally Un-American’
Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez
NYC Mayor Bloomberg to seek 3rd term