By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is a special kind of guy. At least he believes so. And so do the publishers of the three NYC papers, including The New York Times. All support Bloomberg running for a third term -- even though NYC voters twice have approved two-term limits for their politicians. Sound familiar, Kansas Citians?
Bloomberg's special acument -- at least according to The Times and his other backers -- is his financial savvy. Oh, really?
Under Bloomberg's "leadership," NYC has lost tens of thousands of jobs in recent months as the financial crisis has gripped Wall Street. Under his "leadership," the city is facing tough times, times that might call for a new mayor.
Nope, sniffs The Times. Bloomberg knows best.
Oh, and what about those pesky voters who approved two-term limits twice in the past -- just like Kansas Citians twice have approved two-term limits?
Well, the newspaper says the City Council will just have to override the voters because, after all, the politicians know best.
We'll see how this plays out. The council might approve extending term limits from two to three terms. (That's something KC voters have never approved.)
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term limits
Too bad term limits don't apply to the Star Editorial Board. I suppose they go out like the politicians they write about... either in a box or fired. Interesting to note how each breed struggles and maneuvers to stay in their jobs. And each is prepared to sacrifice any number of people under them to keep their pay and their jobs.
Term limits
Have you noticed where term limits apply there are no limits to a politician's ego? I'm sure someone else can fill his position. Perhaps as a sop to his ego, he can run for a different office, perhaps that of governor. If the people agree he is indispensable they will elect him to the new office. If not, they will retire him to nurse the battered ego.
If he should die (heaven forbid) a replacement would step forward, life would go on, the heavens would not fall! There are other individuals with talents waiting to step into the vacuum. Let them.