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photo by William Hereford
Does long-shot mayoral candidate Tony Avella have a chance? Reid Pillifant takes a look.
Tony Avella notices the photograph of Michael Bloomberg just as he begins to sit down. It is a framed clipping from the New York Sun, trumpeting the mayor’s proletarian tastes, and the headline proclaims this little pizzeria near City Hall: “Where Mayor Bloomberg Goes For Lunch.”
Since David Yassky is running for Comptroller, the moment is upon us to begin thinking about who will be the next City Council representative for the 33rd District. Tonight, the New Kings Democrats will hold a debate between candidates for the Democratic nomination for the 33rd City Council District, which represents Brooklyn Heights, Greenpoint; parts of Williamsburg, Park Slope, Boerum Hill. Candidates include Isaac Abraham, Ken Baer, Doug Biviano, Ken Diamondstone, Steve Levin, Jo Anne Simon, and Evan Thies. Yes, the Steve Levin who said he will begin attending meetings. The debate will be held in the Harry Van Arsdale HS auditorium on North 6th St & Roebling, from 7:00-8:30pm. If you have even a mild interest in social issues, development, noise, bike lanes, or the best street taco’s on Bedford, you should really attend, as one of the candidates debating tonight may represent you next year.
The U.S. Court of Appeals yesterday ruled that a bill overturning term limits, passed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in November, is legal. The bill will enable the Mayor, as well as the Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough Presidents and members of the City Council, to serve three consecutive terms in office.
The New York Community Council, an activist organization based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, sued Michael R. Bloomberg, in his official capacity as Mayor of the City of New York, Christine Quinn, in her official capacity as speaker of the New York City Council, and the New York City Council, City of New York, for overturning of Term Limits. At issue in this litigation was an amendment to the Charter of the City of New York, entitled Local Law 51, which was passed by the City Council and signed into law by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on November 3, 2008. It provides that Members of the City Council, the Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller and Borough Presidents are eligible to serve a maximum of three consecutive terms in office. It amends sections 1337 and 1338 of the City Charter, which previously provided for a maximum of two consecutive terms for these officials and which were enacted by a city-wide referendum in1993.
The decision was announced yesterday by the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Phil DePaolo, founder and President of the New York Community Council, noted “I do not agree with the decision, but I am very proud of the effort we put up. I would like to thank Randy Mastro and the firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for all the pro bono work they provided us. I would also like to thank Attorney Norman Siegel for all of his work as co-counsel representing us. Now the only ones who can let the people decide the future of term limits are in Albany!”