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Opinions sought over term limits for Potsdam Village Board members

Posted 2/3/17

To the Editor: There is a proposed law to put in term limits for Potsdam Village Board members. The current draft of the law calls for a limit of two consecutive terms of 4 years each, and we would …

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Opinions sought over term limits for Potsdam Village Board members

Posted

To the Editor:

There is a proposed law to put in term limits for Potsdam Village Board members. The current draft of the law calls for a limit of two consecutive terms of 4 years each, and we would like village residents’ opinions.

The rationale is that when people serve on Boards for long periods of time, they get “stale” and easily lapse into status quo mode, whether they realize it or not. It is good to go off a Board for a time to “recharge.” Under the draft law, after one election cycle (which for a village is two years), the person could be re-elected, so it doesn’t mean a good Board member can never serve again.

Term limits should also inspire more people to run for office. There would be guaranteed periodic openings for the “new blood” and ideas which people have been saying they want.

The Board would like to know people’s feelings about term limits, in general, and how long they should be. A maximum of three consecutive terms has been suggested. What do you think?

There is no need to wait for the 6:45 PM on Tuesday, February 21st hearing on a proposed law. There is a meeting on Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. when you can give opinions to the Board, and you can call or e-mail, too. Board e-mail addresses are on the vi.potsdam.ny.us web page under “Boards and Committees.” Let the Board know your opinion.

Eleanor Hopke

Village of Potsdam trustee