A new poll rated Mayor Bloomberg's job approval at 60 percent, down from 70 percent last year and the lowest it's been since 2005. After eight years, has the tender love affair between New Yorkers and their mayor turned to tepid mutual appreciation? Even if it has, "a lot of politicians would kill for that kind of number," observed pollster Maurice Carroll.
But what's he doing wrong? It seems as though voters have qualms with Bloomberg's budget, which cuts 834 city workers, reports the Daily News. Still, a majority supports cutting raises and some liked his plan to cut back city services rather than raising taxes. "For Mayor Mike, 60 is the new 70," Carroll said. "The man who cruised through his second term with 70 percent approval ratings should be happy if he can stay above 60 percent in his third term."
Other NY politicians didn't fare so well in the Quinnipiac University poll: 44 percent of respondents approved of City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and of newly-crowned City Comptroller John Liu. Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, who's been dogged for a recent decision to close underperforming schools, was endorsed by only 39 percent of participants.
