STUART — City officials plan to ask residents if they support 12-year term limits and changing commission positions from two to four years, in what could be a potential dramatic step to reshape local politics.
“It’s going to be a big thing if the residents do approve it,” Vice Mayor Eula Clarke said Tuesday. “Maybe there will be a push to be bolder and implement new things.”
The details of the referendum question still can be altered before it lands on the ballot Aug. 18.
City commissioners agreed Monday night to go forward with a term-limits question, but ruled out a referendum regarding pay raises.
The August municipal election is set to feature elections for four commissioners and a referendum.
Commissioners first considered an eight-year limit, as recommended by the Charter Review Board, but shifted to 12 years with support from Clarke and Commissioner Kelli Glass Leighton, who both have served since 2011.
Clarke said she is unsure if the public would support the change, though.
“I don’t know if the residents are ready to take such a quantum leap,” she said.
Previously, residents rejected extending city commission terms longer than the current two years.
In 2002, 60% of voters rejected a referendum to change terms to four years, according to city records. In 1998, the referendum failed by five votes.
With a four-year seat, city officials said, it would line up elections with Martin County, which, they argued, would increase voter turnout and save the city money by not having to run its own elections in off-years.
And capping consecutive time on the commission to 12 years could create urgency in elected officials to see through policy and help to promote new ideas.
“I really do think a longer term is appropriate,” Mayor Mike Meier said Tuesday. “It will allow us to serve better.”
Meier was in favor of the eight-year limit, but he said it’s less about the length of time, “but just the idea.”
“People don’t like the idea of the career politicians,” Meier said.
In recent history, the city has seen a small handful of commissioners serve at least eight years.
Troy McDonald and Gene Rifkin served eight years. (McDonald will be running for Commission this fall for Glass Leighton’s seat, which she's giving up to run for Martin County Property Appraiser).
Jeff Krauskoph and Karl Krueger served for extended periods; Charles Foster served over several decades as did James Christie; Glass Leighton and Clarke have served for more than eight years.
Joshua Solomon is a watchdog and government reporter covering Martin County. You can reach him at 772-692-8935 or joshua.solomon@tcpalm.com. Support our local journalism.
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Stuart plans to ask voters to weigh in on city commission term limits, extended terms - TCPalm
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