By Courtney Dentch
The City Council last week enacted legislation to change term limit laws, overriding Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s first veto.
The override vote tallied 47-2-1 in favor of the bill, which would modify the term limits laws adopted in 1993. The new law would allow council members to serve a maximum of eight or 10 years, rather than the six- or 10-year terms previously allowed.
The changes were made to correct quirks that primarily affect members elected in special mid-term elections, allowing those members an additional two years. The problem arises from redistricting, and disrupts the four-year election cycle every 20 years, giving some incumbents two-year terms.
The legislation allows seven council members, including Speaker Gifford Miller (D-Manhattan) to stay in office for an additional two years.
The Council first voted 46-2 in favor of the bill on July 24. Less than a month later, the mayor vetoed the measure.
