There is some chatter that Christine Quinn might not be able to remain as Speaker of the City Council next year. A NY Post article lends fuel to that chatter.

There are several reasons for the Council to consider replacing her: The arm-twisting Quinn did for term-limits extension; the residual effects of the so-called "slush fund scandal" (which, rumor has it, will take out a few more Council members in the months ahead); her close relationship with Mayor Bloomberg (she has yet to endorse Bill Thompson, and may not ever endorse him); and the feeling around the Council that despite her attempt to be seen as a reformer she has been a classic strong-arm despot. In addition, she barely got a majority of votes in her three-way race; that is a sure sign of weakness.

Until now, the big question being asked is who would step up and challenge her. Before answering that, I'd like to look at it from a different viewpoint -- how could it happen?  read more »

I only wish I could claim credit for the title, but alas, it goes to the NY Post. Their Page Six article says that if Quinn gets a third term but doesn't remain as Speaker, she'll quit her Council job to become a Deputy Mayor.

That, apparently, is her price for supporting Bloomberg's power grab.

I attended Speaker Christine Quinn's press conference today, where she announced her support for Mayor Bloomberg's power grab.

She began by stating that we are facing "unprecedented challenges," and that she feels we need to have the "choice to keep the current" people in office to create a "continuity of leadership."

Let's take that one piece at a time.

First of all, the hook on which she hung everything else (perhaps her political career as well) was the concept of "unprecedented challenges." What I want to know, and what NOBODY IN THE PRESS ASKED, was just what exactly we're facing that is "unprecedented." This city has been through wars, riots, panics, depressions, near-bankruptcy and terrorist attacks. What's new here? What is unprecedented?

That question alone, and the obvious fact that there is no answer, renders Christine Quinn unfit for service. If she doesn't know the history of this city well enough to put things in perspective, she has no idea what she's doing. But there's more...  read more »

Last December, Christine Quinn made a promise on term limits that left no wiggle room. She vowed to "oppose aggressively" any attempt to change the law.

Now, she has not only reneged on her promise, but made other promises that prove her unworthiness to serve in any capacity. You may recall the Bloomberg/Lauder deal whereby Lauder's Charter Revision Commission will push to roll back the term limits extension. Under this deal, current first-term Council members would get screwed, since they would not only not get a third term, but also lose any chance at seniority during their second term.

Well, Quinn has promised them that they will get a third term too!

She should be ashamed of herself, but apparently Christine Quinn knows no shame.

The time has come for New Yorkers to rise up and force Chris Quinn out of office, by any legal means available. We must also do everything we can to ensure that anyone who votes for this bill never wins another election, and anyone who runs for a third term, whichever way they vote, also loses. The voice of the people, which is the bedrock of the American way, is being trampled on by a couple of billionaires and their lackey.

Meanwhile, come to the press event Sunday at noon, on the steps of City Hall. Arrive early, so you can get through security in time.

Christine Quinn is having some difficulties making up her mind on Mayor Bloomberg's power grab.

Last December, Quinn said (as reported by the NY Post): "I am today making a firm and final decision. I will not support the repeal or change of term limits through any mechanism, and I will oppose aggressively any attempts by anyone to make any changes in the term-limit law." She needs to know that people know what she said, and want to hold her to her word.

Her office number is 212-788-7210.