Lauder Pushes to Keep Term Limits Intact Except When Inconvenient

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By Azi Paybarah

October 8, 2008 | 4:13 p.m

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Ron Lauder just released a statement that may complicate the whole term-limits debate.

In short, it says that he met with Michael Bloomberg today and will "reluctantly" support a change to the law that would allow elected officials to serve for three terms in office, instead of only two.

But, Lauder says he will "vigorously" work to change the law back to a two-term limit when the issue is put before voters in a 2010 referendum.

Pushing to revert back to a two-term limit may end up angering first-term City Council members, like Jimmy Vacca, who will only get eight years in office, while their colleagues one cycle ahead would get 12.

One thing is clear--Michael Bloomberg isn't the only billionaire influencing public policy in this city.

Here's Lauder's statement:

“This afternoon I met with Mayor Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion. We had an in-depth and positive discussion about term limits and the pending legislation before the City Council. As many people know, I have been a fervent supporter of term limits for many years. My personal belief in ordinary times is that two terms is the appropriate number.

“However, these are extraordinary times and we are in the midst of a financial emergency. For those reasons, I will reluctantly support the Mayor’s legislation to extend term limits to three terms, with the understanding that I will serve on a Charter Revision Commission which will place the question of the number of terms before the voters in 2010. At that point, I will vigorously support a return to a two-term limit. The people have spoken before and will speak again; until then, this is the best solution to make sure we have a steady hand at the wheel during this financial emergency.”