Giuliani should have term extended

New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has not been a perfect mayor. His term had ups and downs, including a public divorce and controversy over banning artwork. New York City, though, is cleaner and safer than before. That is, until the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. \nWhile terrible, these acts enabled Giuliani to shine in the public spotlight and bring New Yorkers together again.\nIn a recent poll, New Yorkers gave Giuliani a 91 percent approval rating for his handling of the recent crisis. They had good reason to do so. After hearing that a plane had crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center, Giuliani ran from his nearby office to the twin towers. He went into one of the burning towers with firefighters and was almost killed when it began to collapse. Later, he closed lower Manhattan and moved people away from the danger. \nGiuliani put his life on the line to complete his job -- a job that can only be held for two four-year terms.\nNew York was scheduled to have a mayoral primary on Sept. 11, but it was postponed. Giuliani's term expires Dec. 31, and he is asking the state legislature to approve at least a 90-day extension. Two of the three mayoral candidates, Republican Michael Bloomberg and Democrat Mark Green, gave their support to extend Giuliani's term. \nThe state legislature should do the same. \nWhile the act would be unprecedented, the city needs it. Firefighters and police officers feel comfortable with Giuliani; his constituents are happy with his performance. He has been attending funerals and memorial services for those who have died. He is showing his care and concern for his constituents, who are in a state of shock and disbelief. \nCitizens are still grieving and some residents cannot even move back into their homes. The last thing New York City needs is a new mayor and a transition period for his staff. They need someone who can take charge and effectively handle the crisis at hand. \nGiuliani has proven he can.\n