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3 Nov, 2009 07:00

Homelessness rampant in NYC - mayor still wants third term

New York has seen a 45 per cent increase in homelessness and one and a half million people have left, saying life is too expensive since Mayor Michael Bloomberg came to office eight years ago.

Even so, the billionaire wants to stay on for a third term. The financial media mogul says his leadership is vital for four more years, in order to deal with the unprecedented economic crisis – a catalyst used for extending term limits without a referendum.

Jerry Mazza, an American journalist, says Bloomberg benefits most from running the city.

He added: “ I think if a man can buy three elections in a row and spend $250 million to keep himself mayor for three terms, there's something strange about that, that seems to really deny the whole voting system."

While the mayor's tenure has produced plummeting crime rates and environmental initiatives, critics say a one-man establishment is toxic for a diverse city needing change.

Bloomberg is spending more than $100 million to stay in office.

Richard Deagan, a homeless man, lives in the one of the most expensive cities in the world, and sleeps on the steps of a church. With shelters filled to the brim, he receives police tickets for sleeping on the streets. On the streets since 2003, the 46-year-old hasn’t been able to break through the competitive job market. Especially in a city, where unemployment has hit double digits.

Richard says if the mayor was really concerned about helping New Yorkers, he would forsake city hall and finance housing for all those living on the streets.

He’s among tens of thousands homeless in New York City.

Experts say the alarming figure hasn’t been this high since the Great Depression.

"The options, that we have left is to do or die. What else are we going to do? The subway is terrible. I can't afford a taxi. If I am late for work, I lose clients. I can't afford it here anymore,” says one man.

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