Reaching the limit

 Ever since Oklahoma kicked off the legislative term-limit movement with a vote of the people in 1990, elected officials have been fighting back, with mixed success. The arrogance of some lawmakers knows no limit, and opponents of term-limit laws are always biding their time before launching another repeal movement. The president, 37 governors, 15 legislatures and the mayors of the nation’s 10 largest cities are subject to term limits. Make that nine of the 10 largest cities. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was successful in his attempt to roll back an ordinance that would have limited him to two consecutive four-year terms. Hizzoner believes the city needs his steady hand during these difficult times. Any president since FDR and any Oklahoma governor could have made the same argument. But the presidential and gubernatorial term-limit laws are constitutionally-based. The New York City Council is free to regulate or deregulate mayoral terms at will. Voters have a chance to limit Bloomberg to two terms when he comes up for re-election next year.

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