Oct 13, 2008 7:14 pm US/Eastern
Columbus Day Parade Lovefest For Bloomberg
New Yorkers As A Whole Come Out And Support Mayor's Quest For 3rd Term; Opponents Sound Off As Well
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Michael Bloomberg, New York City Mayor, testifies about gun control before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime Terrorism and Homeland Security, Washington, DC
AP
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has repeatedly insisted that one of the reasons he's seeking an extension of term limits is because the people want him. They repeatedly tell him so when he marches in the city's many parades, he said.
CBS 2 HD went to the Columbus Day parade to see for itself.
There's no way to know whether Bloomberg got Cardinal Egan's blessing to seek a third term when he stopped for the obligatory chat during the parade.
But he did get the blessing of Kareem Simone, who was thrilled when his shouting attracted the attention of Bloomberg himself.
"Four more years, Bloomberg. Four more years," Simone said.
The mayor waded into the crowd of well wishers and made some small talk. He even shook hands with a baby.
It was like that all along the parade route, people clapping and taking pictures of the mayor as he strode down Fifth Avenue. Sure, he was with Gov. David Paterson and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, but it was Bloomberg the crowd yelled for.
"Mayor Bloomberg should run for another term," Jay Amore of Manhattan said. "Especially with this economy, we need him."
"If he's got another term he's going to turn things around," added Rhonda Loguidice of Queens. "He knows what's happening."
"We're in trying times and we need someone who's really proven themselves and really knows what they're doing," said Jane Bedard of Manhattan.
And amid the bands, floats and hoopla the city residents we spoke to supported another four years. The naysayers were several elected officials unhappy with the mayor's move and the support he got Monday.
"These people are from the suburbs and we're glad they're here today," City Councilman Bill DeBlasio, D-Brooklyn, said. "Look at the people in my district and I've heard this from so many of my colleagues. The people are telling us no."
"New Yorkers, we understand that this is a test of our civic values. This is a test about how we make decisions in the city. It's just wrong to shut out the voters from this conversation," Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-Brooklyn, said.
The public will be allowed to express their views at a hearing on Thursday. It starts at 3 p.m. and is to go until the last person has a chance to speak.
Opponents hope to pack the hearing with so many people that other hearing dates will be scheduled.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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