We Want Democracy, Mayor Bloomberg

In a political year where millions of new voters are going to the polls because they believe in democracy, because they want to see a new kind of politics, it is profoundly disturbing to witness, in the largest of American cities, a blatant disregard for our democratic process.

Try as I might to understand why Mayor Michael Bloomberg, our two-term leader here in New York City, might deserve a third term in office, I just cannot buy it. Yes, he has certainly brought a level of civility, leadership, and professional dignity back to the position these past eight years. Yes, he is an astute businessman and has surrounded himself with brilliant minds. And yes I can say I have fallen back in love with New York during his tenure. But I love democracy and the people of this great city more, and I simply cannot support Mayor Bloomberg's bid for four more years.

First off, it does not matter to me that the city charter gives the Mayor and the City Council the wiggle room to revamp the rules without a vote coming directly from New York residents. This is about political and moral integrity, and respecting the fact that the people voted twice -- twice -- to stay with two terms for the Mayor, the City Council, the Borough Presidents, and all citywide elected positions.

Second, the Bloomberg administration's argument that the current economic crisis mandates the extension of the Mayor's reign is very troublesome. It is a weak case to make given that Rudy Giuliani was not given a third term in office even as September 11, 2001 occurred in the midst of that year's elections. What greater crisis has there been in New York City's recent history than 9/11? Or in recent American history? Democracy was kept in place then, and Mayor Bloomberg was elected to office. That is the template we need to honor and respect.

Third, not only would Mayor Bloomberg get another term in office, but so would City Council members, Borough Presidents, and other current officeholders, some of whom, frankly, do not deserve a third term. I know for a fact here in Brooklyn that a number of strong community leaders, up and coming politicians, and respectable citizens were already preparing to run for various City Council seats. What are we doing with our local democracy if we deny these New Yorkers the opportunity to participate in fair and open elections not dominated by the weight of incumbents and their extensive political networks? Don't any and all New Yorkers with exceptional leadership skills, strong community roots, and a passion to serve have the right to run for City Council, and not suddenly feel like they have to end their campaigns if the current Council members are all given an additional term?

Fourth, what message, as New Yorkers, are we sending to the rest of America, when the Mayor of New York can literally pressure, by all available means, fellow politicians, religious and spiritual leaders, union bosses, and others, to create a manufactured chorus of support? Lest we forget, outside of the president of the United States, the Mayor of New York is actually the second most powerful political position in America. Although it has not always been the case, that position should be attached to a higher moral calling and sense of responsibility, a greater degree of respect and admiration for our democratic principles, and a firm desire to be the example, as Mayor, that every single citizen, particularly young New Yorkers, can aspire to. On the contrary, Mayor Bloomberg's actions are saying that if you have millions upon millions of your own money to spend, the right business and political connections, democracy is an afterthought.

Fifth, we need to be honest that while Mayor Bloomberg has done an admirable job in office, there remains large pockets of the city, in places like East New York, Brooklyn, or Jamaica, Queens, that are riddled with failing public schools, high levels of unemployment and violence, and the kind of poverty and despair comparable to a so-called third world nation. I know this because I organize in various communities every single day. I do not see, on a consistent and wide basis, the resounding success stories the Mayor's supporters are perpetually pointing to.

In other words, all the accolades Mr. Bloomberg has gotten regarding education and the renaissance in development has not led to an across the board change in the lives of average New Yorkers, namely the working families upon whose backs this city operates every single day. I am talking about Joe the plumber, Maya the crossing guard, Angela the token booth worker, Edgar the maintenance man, Rosa the home healthcare aide, and Jimmy the building security.

Just as Barack Obama says we need one America, I say we need leadership that is going to bring us closer to our becoming one New York. One New York does not currently exist, nor have we come close to approaching it during the Bloomberg years. We remain a city divided from each other -- super-wealthy versus the rest of us, this neighborhood versus that neighborhood, new neighbors versus old neighbors, developers versus entire communities, this borough versus that borough, and on and on. We can do better. We must do better. This battle for a third term is divisive, weighted by self-interest, and is utterly unnecessary. It is Mayor Bloomberg versus the City of New York, and against the will of the people.

So, finally, I say thank you to Mayor Michael Bloomberg for your dedication to public service, but no thank you to a third term. Just as the American presidency needs to be reinvigorated with fresh new leadership, so do we need fresh new leadership in the Mayor's seat, in the City Council, and all those other offices that will be affected by Mr. Bloomberg's dismissal of real democracy.

If we want our democracy to grow, we need to protect the interests of the people of New York. If we do not do that, then this metropolis will continue to become a city of the haves and the have nots, including who gets to have a say on how our government is run, and who does not.

Kevin Powell is a Brooklyn-based activist and writer, and a recent Democratic Congressional candidate. He can be reached at [e-mail]

Comments

[Nooneyouknow]

Amen, Mr. Powell. I'm baffled by Bloomberg's high approval ratings. I can only assume that because he's not a buffoon, sociopath, or total authoritarian (maybe 80%), he's a-ok with most New Yorkers. The truth is that he's accomplished surprisingly little during his tenure, and most of his accomplishments are oriented toward, hello, business. In particular, he seems dedicated to building stadiums wanted by no one but other zillionaires.
I'm a little baffled by Bloomberg's desire for a third term. He doesn't seem to enjoy the job much; he apparently has no overarching plan for his tenure; he really doesn't have the common touch; and he doesn't seem to have any affinity for most New Yorkers. In fact, as nearly as I can tell, he doesn't like politics. He happily switched parties when it suited him and showed his love for his former fellow Democrats by having them abused in myriad unconstitutional ways by Ray Kelly's cops during the 2004 RNC. For that alone Bloomberg should have been recalled.
I've seen no signs that Bloomberg's had to scramble in any way to guide the city through the current economic crisis, and nothing that says that many others couldn't do what Bloomberg is doing. In fact, if the current economic crisis has demonstrated anything, it's the danger of letting plutocrats manipulate government for their profit. It's time for Bloomie to return the office to the people and give someone else an opportunity to make NYC the better city it can be.

[vooter]

Absolutely­--Bloomber­g's bid to overturn the term-limits law is a BLATANT POWER GRAB that must be stopped at all costs. Fellow New Yorkers, it's time to FIGHT BACK. Don't let them ram this through.

[jhNY]

And from his would-be eternal bully pulpit, the present and future mayor of NYC, which is about 70% Democratic, has now used his political celebrity to endorse the execrable Chris Shays, Republican of Connecticut.

I am a citizen of NYC, and I am sick and tired of the boiler-plate which accompanies any doubts about Bloomberg's wish to remain in charge of everything locally. I read the news every day, and watch the political shows local and national, and I remain mystified by the notion put forward almost universally as to Bloomberg's great accomplishments. I mean besides Mike or his minions saying so loudly and often, why is it precisely that everybody seems to think he's done such a crackerjack job?

I think local reporters have been cowed by future prospects of job opportunities with Bloomberg News to do any real reporting on their tiny hero, which is understandable, but not admirable. So newsfolk, why not pipe up and soon with a big list of Bloomberg Achievements? I'd be interested as heck to know just what they are.

[NextBestLefty]

BRAVO MR POWELL! I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way!

[dwarbi]

I have to admit that I am torn on the issue of term limits, but I have to point out a few things:

1. Term limits in NYC are quite new. Koch served a 3rd term. The benefits of term limits are still in question. For example, with so many people serving who have to try to position themselves for their next job, how can they work effectively? Many of these people are career public servants.
2. Whether or not the citizens of NY would want to see Bloomberg lead us through the next few years would be determined at the polls, wouldn't it?
3. See point #1. If democracy has its chance, the citizens be able to "throw the bums out," no? It seems to work for the House and the Senate.
4. I don't understand this point at all. Is this case any different from someone running for a second term?
5. See point #2.

It seems you are arguing against the reelection of Bloomberg and many of those on city council. Again, wouldn't that be resolved in an election?

[vooter]

I don't care. Term limits are the law, so OBEY THAT LAW, Mr. Bloomberg. Or don't expect us to obey all the other ones....

[magen]

I think what's REALLY going on here is that Bloomie just lost a couple gazillions in the Wall Street disaster right at the end of his second term, and wants to stay in power so he can try to make it back quicker.

Those TV screens at the stock exchange with all the numbers and graphs and information that nobody understands are what made him rich.

[Glenn1441]

Fort Greene, Brooklyn, here, Mr. Powell.

Well done.

You write:

"Fifth, we need to be honest that while Mayor Bloomberg has done an admirable job in office, there remains large pockets of the city, in places like East New York, Brooklyn, or Jamaica, Queens, that are riddled with failing public schools, high levels of unemployment and violence, and the kind of poverty and despair comparable to a so-called third world nation. I know this because I organize in various communities every single day. I do not see, on a consistent and wide basis, the resounding success stories the Mayor's supporters are perpetually pointing to."

Absolutely. Therein lies the shame of Bloomberg's administration. And frankly, the public school system in NYC is a disaster. As an Arab-American, I can share first hand accounts of inept, highly under qualified education personnel whose negligence of the needs of ethnically diverse students is appalling.

That city council members and chairs could secure a third term along with Bloomberg is unacceptable.