Mayor Bill de Blasio has been a polarizing figure in New York City since taking office in 2014. He’s been lauded for his progressive policy initiatives, such as providing universal pre-K and criticized for issues such as his handling of the pandemic. Now, the question is whether de Blasio can run for a third term as mayor in 2021. The answer is complicated and depends on several factors. This article will take a closer look at the legal implications of de Blasio running for a third term and provide an overview of the current debate. We’ll examine whether it’s possible under the current city charter and how his candidacy could affect the upcoming mayoral race. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the facts and implications surrounding de Blasio’s potential third term.
Can Deblasio Run For A Third Term?
Well, the short answer to your question is that technically, Mayor Bill de Blasio can run for a third term in office. However, whether or not he will be able to actually do so is another matter entirely. The New York City Charter has a two-term limit for mayors and other elected officials, so de Blasio would need to get that changed in order to be able to run for a third term. The Charter itself can only be amended by the City Council with a two-thirds majority vote, so it would be a difficult process. There is also the issue of public opinion. Currently, de Blasio’s approval ratings are relatively low, and it’s unlikely that many New Yorkers would be eager to see him in office for a third term. It’s possible that he could use his remaining time in the office to turn this around, but that’s far from certain.
What The City Charter Says
- The New York City Charter is a document that outlines the powers of the mayor and other city officials. Section Two of the charter states that city officials can only serve two consecutive four-year terms.
- After those two terms, a mayor can run again after waiting out another two years. This means that de Blasio, who was elected in 2014 and again in 2018, would have to wait until 2023 to run again.
- De Blasio and his team are likely aware of this restriction and are currently pursuing a strategy that would allow him to run for a third term. The city charter can be amended by the New York State Legislature at any time.
- De Blasio has been working with state lawmakers to secure support for a change to the charter that would allow him to run for a third term. The change would allow both the mayor and the city comptroller, another city official who currently cannot serve more than two terms, to be able to run again after two years out of office.
What The Law Says
- New York City’s charter is a document that outlines the laws governing the city. It states that no one can serve more than two consecutive four-year terms as mayor.
- However, there is debate over whether this restriction applies to de Blasio or not. The law states that it applies to those who have “held the office of mayor,” which some argue doesn’t include de Blasio since he was elected in 2014 and 2018 but never held office in between those terms.
- This interpretation of the law has been challenged by some legal scholars, who argue that it should be interpreted as applying to any person who has ever been elected mayor and served for two consecutive four-year terms, regardless of any gaps in service.
- If this interpretation of the law is accepted by the courts, then de Blasio would be able to run for a third term in 2021. However, if his interpretation fails, then he would not be able to run until 2023, as the law currently states.
- The New York State Legislature can also choose to amend the charter at any time. This would allow de Blasio and other city officials to run for a third term, if the amendment is passed.
What Do The People Say?
- The people of New York City have mixed opinions on the issue of whether or not de Blasio should be allowed to run for a third term.
- Some believe that he should not be allowed to serve a third term because it would create an unfair advantage over other potential candidates. They argue that it would give de Blasio too much power and could lead to stagnation in the city’s progress.
- Others argue that de Blasio has done a good job during his first two terms and should be allowed to continue in office if he is still popular with voters. They point out that he has been successful in addressing several issues such as homelessness, police reform, and affordable housing.
- Ultimately, the decision will be up to the people of New York City, who will decide if they want de Blasio to serve another term or not when they go to the polls in 2021 (or 2023).
- In the meantime, the debate over de Blasio’s eligibility for a third term will continue, and it is likely to be an issue in the upcoming mayoral election.
Pros And Cons Of De Blasio Running For A Third Term
1. Pros:
Supporters Of De Blasio Argue That He Has Been Successful In Addressing Several Issues Such As Homelessness, Police Reform, And Affordable Housing During His First Two Terms. Another Argument Is That A Third Term Would Allow De Blasio To Continue His Progress And Keep The City On Track.
2. Cons:
Opponents of de Blasio argue that allowing him to run for a third term would create an unfair advantage over other potential candidates and give him too much power. Additionally, some worry that a third term could lead to stagnation in the city’s progress if de Blasio is re-elected.
How De Blasio’s Run Could Affect The 2021 Mayor’s Race
- It is likely that the issue of de Blasio’s eligibility for a third term will be a major factor in the 2021 mayor’s race.
- If de Blasio is eligible to run, it could create a more competitive election with more candidates vying for the office. It could also increase voter turnout, as many people may want to have their voices heard on this issue.
- On the other hand, if de Blasio is not allowed to run for a third term, it could lead to less competition and decreased voter turnout as people may not be as motivated to vote if their preferred candidate is not running.
- Ultimately, the outcome of de Blasio’s eligibility will have a significant impact on the 2021 mayoral race and should be closely watched by all those interested in local politics.
- No matter the outcome, it is certain that the debate surrounding de Blasio’s third-term eligibility will be a major factor in the 2021 mayoral race.
Conclusion
De Blasio has been a polarizing figure in New York City since taking office in 2014. He’s been lauded for his progressive policy initiatives and criticized for his handling of the pandemic. Now, the question is whether de Blasio can run for a third term as mayor in 2021. The answer is complicated and depends on a number of factors. The New York City Charter states that city officials can only serve two consecutive four-year terms. After those two terms, a mayor can run again after waiting out another two years. De Blasio and his team are likely aware of this restriction and are currently pursuing a strategy that would allow him to run again after two years out. The best way to fight de Blasio from running again is to speak out against it. If enough people make their feelings known, lawmakers will feel pressure to amend the city charter and prevent a third term for the mayor.