So There Is One Honest Pol!

Last Thursday, New York's City Council decided to ignore the unequivocal will of the people (as expressed in two referendums) and extended term limits to three terms (which will probably be extended again when the furore over this vote has died down; after all, why limit politicians to just three terms, why not four, five or get rid of limits completely).

It remains to be seen whether the 22 councillors who voted against the Mayor's proposals will 'do the right thing' and, if up for a reelection attempt that would not have been possible under the old rules, refuse to run for another term.

One New York public figure does mean what she says and does understand the principles involved: New York City's Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, who announced that she would not be seeking reelection next year, despite the fact that, given her record in office, she would probably be overwhelmingly returned to the position.

In an interview she gave on Monday Ms. Gotbaum said that she could not in good faith seek reelection: "It would be very hard for me to benefit from something that I fundamentally disagree with," she said.

Well, good for her. The other good news is that those who are likely to run to replace her were equally as vociferous in opposing the Mayor's change of rules by fiat.

Speaking at a rally against term limits last week, Ms Gottbaum said: "The public must be granted the opportunity to debate and vote on the issue of term limits.

"I'm against term limits, but this isn't up to me. And it shouldn't be up to a simple majority of 26 council members, or one mayor.

"The signatures on [a petition being presented at City Hall] send a clear message to the City Council: respect democracy and put this before the voters."

Well, finally, an honest politician in New York City. Now all we need to do is elect a few more, while wishing Ms Gottbaum well in whatever venture she embarks on next.