New York City Officials Favor Term-Limit Increase

August 28, 2008 1:36 p.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - Most members of the New York City Council are in favor of extending term limits from 8 years to 12. According to a telephone survey by the New York Times of the 51 council members, 27 support extending the term limits, eight are against it and three were unsure, while 13 could not be reached.

New York City residents have voted twice in 1993 and 1996 to keep the current term limits.

Council members said if New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg would publicly support the move to extend term limits, chances are the voters would be convinced too and it would facilitate amending the law.

In a press conference Wednesday, Bloomberg hinted of his views on having longer terms in office. "I have always though that term limits are a good idea... I've said you can debate whether it should be two or three terms, but I've thought term limits are good."

Another support expected from Bloomberg are from Senate Republicans who have stood by the city mayor on issues affecting the Big Apple as the fall election approaches.