2-Term Limit Option Won’t Kick In ’Til ’21
By DOMENICK RAFTER
Term limits will be on the ballot in November and city voters will have the opportunity to restore the two-term limit that was overturned by the City Council in 2008, but if they do, the law would not take effect for another decade.
The Charter Revision Commission voted to approve the ballot initiative that would include a grandfather clause allowing all present incumbents, including those elected in 2009, to serve three four-year terms. That means if voters approve the term-limit referendum, it would not take effect until 2021.
More than half of city council members, two borough presidents, Comptroller John Liu and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio are serving their first or second term and would be allowed to serve a third under the decision, regardless of how city voters vote on Nov. 2.
If voters approve the referendum, it would include those elected in 2013 citywide elections and any special elections after this year.
The vote was not unanimous and some commission members blasted the decision. Commissioner Anthony Perez Cassino called on the restoration of term limits to take effect immediately if passed by city voters in November. He called the decision to delay implementation for 11 years a “disservice” to the public. But Commissioner Stephen Fiala called the decision to grandfather current officeholders a “thoughtful and balanced solution.”
City voters are also expected to vote on requiring public disclosure of expenditures made by entities and individuals independent from candidates to influence the outcome of a city election or referendum, as well as a measure to reduce the number of petition signatures needed by candidates for city elective office to appear on a ballot.
Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125