Lauder Against Bloomberg, New York City Officials Changing Term Length Permanently

New York, NY (AHN) - Cosmetic billionaire Ronald Lauder aired his opposition to the proposed permanent change of term limits for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other city officials.

Lauder announced his stand Sunday in response to a statement from New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn that she will file a bill permitting city officials to run for a third four-year term.

Lauder financed a 1993 campaign to have term limits in New York City. The billionaire stressed he was not against a temporary amendment of the term limits law as the deepening credit crisis would benefit from Bloomberg's leadership.

Lauder spoke to Bloomberg over the telephone Friday. The mayor suggested that the billionaire be a member of a charter amendment commission which would tackle the issues in 2010 and maybe place it for referendum later. Lauder replied if he becomes a part of the commission, he would definitely push for limiting the mayor's term to only 8 years.

Several other prominent city residents joined Lauder in opposing the move to permit Bloomberg to run for a third term.

City Senator Eric Adams compared the mayor to an aging athlete. Adams advice to Bloomberg, quoted by the New York Times, was, "Don't become a political, punch-drunk boxer that believes you're the only one who can bring home the crown... It's over."

Bloomberg told CNN in Berlin he wanted to seek a third term because he wanted to make sure the projects he started will be finished as the mayor expressed apprehension tough times may lead a new city administration to cancel his projects.