The attempt to nullify term limits is a disgusting attempt to override the will of the people and to establish a permanent “ruling class.” The success of this action would totally undermine the purpose of voting and make democracy a sham in this city.

Almost lost in all of the attention paid to Mayor Bloomberg is that ending term limits would enable Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion and the present Bronx City Council delegation to remain in their current offices. Such a development would be tragic for democracy and would result in the demoralization of Bronxites.

Over the past four years, democratic and community rights have taken a severe battering in the Bronx, as a quick review of the Yankee Stadium project demonstrates.  The original sack of Macomb’s Dam Park was done without the community’s knowledge. A stadium was foisted in the middle of a residential community already beset with health problems and now, the richest team in baseball is seeking a bailout from the taxpayers!  All with the enthusiastic support of most Bronx elected officials.

Particularly dictatorial and contemptuous of the people was Carrion. He mocked the sanctity of a public hearing and the right of public expression by packing the Bronx County Courthouse with stadium supporters early and then locking out the community in severe winter weather.

Carrion also removed every Community Board 4 member who voted against the project.  Subsequently, he had the audacity to declare that board members had to pursue “his vision” in voting. At the same time, his office tells new board members that their vote is sacred and that they are to vote their conscience!  As a result, Bronx community boards are so intimidated that none will touch “alienation legislation” to protect seizure of more Bronx parks for development.  Carrion’s crowning achievement in the project was to impose a Community Benefits Agreement which gave almost nothing to the affected community but promises generous rewards to Bronx organizations in areas unaffected by the construction.

Proponents of abolishing term limits are taking advantage of economic troubles and touting their experience. Experience doing what?  Collecting pay for absences? Giving their relatives and friends employment? Who can forget the congestion pricing battle? The Bronx City Council delegation could have reaped enormous mass transit benefits for the Bronx by forcing the dedication of congestion pricing revenues for projects in the outer boroughs. What did they do? They gave the MTA a blank check to spend revenue for suburbanites, business people and the wealthier sections of Manhattan! What did they ever do for Bronx mass transit?

Bronx civil society has almost disappeared, young people are disillusioned, residents feel hopeless and helpless to change things and many are at a point of despair. This civic and spiritual death has been brought about by Bronx elected officials most of whom are now pummeling the foundations of democracy. This notorious and self-serving power grab must be fought in any and every legitimate way possible.  It must and will be stopped!

John Rozankowski

Bedford Park