Term Limits Redux
Without much fanfare, the Houston City Council agreed to the creation of a committee to study the often talked about issue of term limits. Currently, the Mayor, Controller, and City Council are elected for two years terms a maximum of three times. While the turnover does ensure fresh blood, critics have felt the short terms create a permanent fundraising cycle for the elected officials, leaving them less time to govern. In addition, it takes a few years to get the hang of City Hall, and just when council members are figuring out how everything works, they have to move on.
Mayor Bill White says he believes in term limits, but thinks the concept can be tweaked a bit. Within the next 30 days, a panel will be appointed to study the issue. White says the panel should come out with recommendations by next June. If they agree on proposed changes (for example 4 year terms with a 12 year limit) then the issue could be brought before voters next November.
A little institutional knowledge wouldn't hurt, because right now there are a lot of long time behind-the-scenes staffers running the real show.
The Tea Party Patriots are have a Stand up and Vote Rally November 2nd, 2009 at the Houston Race Horse Track. It starts at 7pm.
Posted by: Randy Thomas | October 15, 2009 at 11:42 AM
"White says the panel should come out with recommendations by next June. If they agree on proposed changes (for example 4 year terms with a 12 year limit) then the issue could be brought before voters next November."
I see. So White's solution is to double the time city elected officials can serve, from six to twelve years, got it.
Posted by: AR | October 17, 2009 at 01:32 PM
I for one am thankful for term limits. The infrastructure of Houston has really suffered under the White Administration.
Posted by: EC | November 03, 2009 at 02:06 PM