Term Limits for Incumbents Too!

An editorial in the Daily News this past Sunday supports the effort to roll back the two-term exemption for incumbents. Most New Yorkers may not be aware that the two-term limit on the ballot that passed this past November by such a wide margin (74-26) contained an exemption for incumbents so that they get to serve three terms. I strongly opposed that provision during my service on the 2010 Charter Revision Commission. That is why I have joined a broad coalition of civic leaders, including Henry Stern of NY Civic, to launch a public petition drive to give voters the chance to decide whether or not they want to exempt incumbents from this law. We need 30,000 signatures to put it on the ballot in 2011 -- I suspect that New Yorkers will have a lot to say about this issue. If you want to get involved or want to sign the petition please visit NY Civic's website.

Councilman Vacca Comes out for Black for Schools Chancellor: UPDATE

Here is a link to an article by Andre Hawkins at City Hall News reporting that Councilman Jimmy Vacca has come out in support of Cathie Black for schools chancellor. UPDATE: Bronx News Network has this article showing that Bronx pols are split on the appointment.

Senator Elect Espaillat Defends Rangel

Here is a link to an article reporting that a number of elected officials, including State Senator Elect Adriano Espaillat, are calling for Congressman Charles Rangel not to be censured. The Congressman was recently found guilty of 11 counts of ethics violations by Congress but these guys say he has been punished enough? I am not sure what punishment they are referring to? You can already see the type of bold leadership our new State Senator from Riverdale will be providing us in Albany.

Boycott of Riverdale Review Takes Off

The day of reckoning has finally come for the Riverdale Review. For those of you who do not know the Review, it is a free weekly rag put out by Andy Wolf (yup, that's his beautiful mug to the left), who also runs the Bronx Press Review. Over the years, the big, bad Wolf has set a new standard in yellow journalism by personally attacking anyone who disagrees with him. I am proud to say that I am one of his favorite targets -- which means I must be doing something right. After 15 years of trashing schools, community leaders and politicians, a large and diverse contingent of people in and around the Riverdale area have decided that enough is enough. They formed a new organization called "Recycle the Review" that is leading a boycott of the paper. This article from the Riverdale Press (not to be confused with the Review) sets forth the tremendous success this group has had in just one week. Their facebook page provides details about the boycott and includes some of Wolf's finest work. There is an online petition you can sign here. I support their efforts, and ask everyone to pass it along to your friends and lets score a victory for responsible journalism (not to be confused with blogging, which allows the public to spout our personal opinions!).

NY Voter Turnout Lowest in the Nation

This article from Sam Roberts at the NY Times shows that New York ranked lower than every state in the nation in voter turnout. Despite contests for every statewide race, New York's turnout was lower than any mid-term election for at least 3 decades. Only about 32 percent of eligible New York voters went to the polls on November 2nd. This is a trend that continues to grow. The real question is what does it mean for the future?

Engel Comments on Rangel Ethics Verdict

Bronx News Network has Congressman Eliot Engel (yes, he is a Bronx Congressman--just some portions of it, and some would say he also represents parts of Maryland but that is the subject of another story), commenting on Congressman Charlie Rangel being found guilty of ethics violations by a Congressional panel.

Diaz Senior Comes Out Strong For Reform on Legislative Salaries

While his stances often cause many Bronxites agita, State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. deserves some credit for a bold stance he has taken against outside income and Lulu's for state elected officials. Capitol Confidential reports that the Senator has introduced legislation that would eliminate outside income for state elected officials, and he also wants to see Lulu's (stipends they get just for doing their jobs) eliminated as well. These reforms would go a long way towards changing the culture in Albany and Senator Diaz deserves kudos for taking a strong stand on it. Now, will any of his colleagues join him?