The Wrong Reform

There will be a question on Tuesday’s ballot that asks New Yorkers to make a serious decision about the future of this city and the office of Public Advocate. New York City voters will be asked, “Shall the Charter be amended to require a special election in about 60 days after a mayoral vacancy (in addition to the later general election to fill the vacancy), with a runoff election if no candidate receives at least 40 percent of the vote, and to make the Speaker of the Council responsible for presiding over meeting of the City Council instead of the Public Advocate?” The New York Sun urges a vote against this resolution on the grounds that an off-year election in the middle of the term of the Public Advocate is not the time to be dealing with the question of charter reform on this issue.