“When I first ran for Mayor, I promised New Yorkers that I would pursue reforming our political system through the adoption of non-partisans elections.  Tonight, the people have spoken, and the voters have decided to maintain the current electoral system. 

“The idea behind non-partisan elections has always been to get more people involved in our political process; to increase voter turnout, to encourage more people to run for office and to make our City’s elections more democratic and open. 

“Although I am disappointed in today’s outcome, these are ideals that I still believe in. I ask all New Yorkers, regardless of political party, or how they voted today to join me and help make our political system more responsive to the needs of the eight million people who live in the greatest City in the world.”