Local News

Anger Grows Over Mayor's Term Limit Inside Deal

Bloomberg, Lauder Work Out Pact That Puts Mayor In Position For Third Term

Politician: 'It's Bad Government'

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Some New York City Council members are seeing red over a deal struck by Mayor Michael Bloomberg with term limit advocate Ron Lauder that would allow the mayor and other elected officials to serve an extra four years.

If there's ever been an inside deal in the history of the city it is the one transpiring before our eyes this very moment.

There was anger and fury Monday on the steps of City Hall as details emerged about a deal struck by Bloomberg with cosmetics giant Lauder that will allow him to serve a third term.

"My ancestors died for the right to vote," Councilwoman Letisha James, D-Brooklyn, said. "There's blood on the streets of people who died for the right to vote and the mayor of the city of New York is ignoring all of that."

To Bloomberg's opponents the issue is simple: the only way term limits should be changed is by a public referendum. But the mayor' s deal with Lauder, who financed the campaign that brought term limits to the city, would extend term limits from eight to 12 years, with only the passage of a bill in the City Council. But there's more to their agreement than that.

Under the deal the mayor will appoint a charter revision commission that will put the question of term limits before the voters, but not until 2010. Lauder will be a member of that commission, which will include up to 15 members

Council members arrived at city hall Monday to caucus on the issue with a wide variety of opinions.

"I've never supported eight-year term limits, but I've never supported changing it through legislation, so this is going to be a tough issue for me," Councilman Peter Vallone, D-Queens, said.

"Eight years is far too short to gain the experience, the highest level of experience, to be an effective city office holder," added Councilman Oliver Koppell, D-Bronx.

"I've opposed term limits since before I was a council member, when I was standing for election," said Councilman Lewis Fidler, D-Brooklyn. "It's bad government. It's about giving voters the right to choose who they want to serve in various positions in government."

And on Monday night there was new development. Could Lauder be rethinking his deal with the mayor?

Just minutes ago he put out a statement expressing concern that the "term limits debate is growing more difficult and divisive by the day."

He vowed to say nothing more until he can talk personally with the mayor.

The mayor's bill will be introduced Tuesday.

CBS 2's Magee Hickey also contributed to this report.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---