New York City Council Members looking for their fellow Members' votes for Speaker are getting behind an Extension of Term Limits for the Council.
All the Speaker Candidates who spoke at a Forum Monday night said they'd back giving current Council Members a Third Term, up from the current Two.
The idea was first proposed by Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Manhattan). "I will work hard to change the charter so we can give three terms for each Council member," said Rodriguez, who is already in his own Third Term.
Councilmen Jumaane Williams, Mark Levine, Robert Cornegy, Corey Johnson, and Jimmy Van Bramer all backed a Third Term for the Council, with most saying it would have to be decided by Voters in a Referendum.
Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg got Term Limits Extended after a fierce fight, a move that applied to Him, the Council, and all Citywide Offices. But the Limit was later returned to Two Terms, which will apply to everyone Elected in 2013 or later.
The Extension backed by the Speaker Candidates would only cover the Council.
Levine (D-Manhattan) stressed the need for a Referendum, but said he'd support an Extension. "There's a good argument that losing 38 members on one day is not in the best interest" of the city, he said, referencing the Exodus set to happen after 2021. "But this is a decision that has to be made by the people."
Cornegy (D-Brooklyn) made a different argument, saying many People would not Run for Office if they didn't have a chance to claim Full City Pension Benefits, which happens after Ten Years on the Payroll. "It doesn't really make sense," he said.
Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Queens) did not chime in on the Issue during the Panel, but told the Daily News he would Support a Third Term but that it should not apply to Sitting Legislators, only those Elected in the Future.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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