The following statement comes from writer Kevin Powell:
We Want Democracy, Mayor Bloomberg
By Kevin Powell
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 kevin@kevinpowell.net
Comment(s)
That was an excellent persuasive argument. While we as Americans/local citizens appreciate those willing to serve their communities, we are a democratic society built on the basis of allowing “ALL” to have equal opportunities. This means new ideas, not a dictatorship for personal gain or glory.
Thanks for sharing Eisa.
GO OBAMA!!!!!
Comment(s)
I’m so glad you became active around this issue, Jessica. Many of us have been so focused on the presidential election that, despite extensive local news coverage, we simply let this important issue slide by.
I, too, think about the role of money in the term limits debate. As a Brooklynite, I am opposed to Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards Project. I was glad to think a new mayor might impede construction of the monolith that I and many of my neighbors think would destroy the cultural, historic, and economic integrity of our community. Bloomberg and Borough President Marty Markowitz will certainly continue to push to support Atlantic Yards and may even profit from its construction.
I’m afraid many voters, unaware that the term limits law was overturned by the City Council, will simply vote for more familiar faces without thinking about the implications of that vote on our democratic process.
Comment(s)
Totally. I still don’t understand why Bloomberg didn’t just let the voters weigh in on this. He prolly would’ve won. But the way he went about this, he will not be getting my vote. Nor will
Christine Quinn.