I’ve liked Mike Bloomberg since he was first elected seven years ago.

He was independent, bright, focused and possessed the qualities of a superior manager. Above all, Mike Bloomberg was a non-partisan in a political system where partisanship and self interest has co-opted public service as the rationale for elective office.

Mike Bloomberg was there to serve. And for seven years, he served, effectively, independently and honorably. He was not a politician; he was a city executive with depth of management experience and superior intellect. Mike remained above the political fray.

On a national, state and even a city level, politics had become a field where partisanship and self-interest trump the good of the people as the rationale of many elected officials. When the driving force of party loyalty and self interest had turned too many politicians ugly, along came Mike Bloomberg, a financially and politically independent force. And for seven years, there is little doubt that he performed effectively. At times we weren’t even sure what party he was enrolled in, if any.

We’ve thought of him as the next Secretary of the Treasury during this economic crisis. And the beauty of Mike Bloomberg is that he could likely do the job effectively for either a Republican or Democratic administration. And either Obama or McCain could likely tap him for the role.

It was clear that Mike Bloomberg was not “political” in the unpleasant sense of the word.

Mike Bloomberg has managed to remain above the ugly game. By performance, he convinced us he was not a politician, he was a public servant. And we all – Democrats, Republicans and blanks – were so pleased to breathe the fresh air of independence.

In a city whose history is filled with tales of self interest and party bosses, Mike Bloomberg was the anti-politician. And a good portion of his approval rating is attributable to that image.

He now wants four more years to serve the city, and the people’s will be damned. And the price of granting him the opportunity to run again and “save the city” is to allow everyone else another term – even the ones who are not term-limited next year. It’s called a political payoff to get the Council to vote for the Mayor’s ability to run again.

So, to save the city from financial crisis, we have to get four more years of Helen Marshall and Helen Sears. It appears that even Tom White who is not term limited next year will be bribed with four more years. We mention these three electeds for illustration only; the picture is the same for any who benefit by overturning the will of the people. But such is the price that Mike Bloomberg appears to be exacting from the City.

Does the present crisis warrant it?

Our gifted Mayor still has another year and three months left to serve. Certainly there is time for him to use his skill to cutback and budget for the future so that others may continue. The last change of Mayors occurred a little more than three months after the 9-11 terrorist attack. Somehow, the system worked.

As far as the Councilmembers who appear to be getting ready to raise their hands and extend their own terms, we’re on record: they are betraying the people and are complicit in the ugliest of self-serving acts of an elected official. They should be viewed as criminals.

Below, Henry Stern proposes an interesting compromise. However, the desire of the term-limited individuals we fear will prevent anything but a rush to judgment and a betrayal of the will of the people.

I’ve liked Mike Bloomberg since he was first elected seven years ago.

He was a non-partisan in a political system where partisanship and self interest has co-opted public service as the rationale for elective office.

Last week, Mike Bloomberg became a politician and I fear it all has changed.