Politics & Government

Tri-Cities Talk: Should There Be Term Limits In Electing Local Mayors?

Tri-Cities residents, Patch wants to hear from you on the issues that affect you and your neighbors.

Welcome to Tri-Cities Talk—a regular feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on current issues facing Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles.

Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked the Tri-Cities community in recent days on local Patch Facebook pages.

This week's election saw the reelection of two longtime Tri-Cities mayors. Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns won his fourth term, and Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke was reelected after more than 30 years in office. Meanwhile, St. Charles elected new mayor Raymond Rogina since Donald DeWitte decided not to seek another term after 20 years as an elected official for the city—eight as mayor and 12 as alderman. That brings us to this week's question:

Find out what's happening in Bataviawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Do you think there should be term limits for mayors?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section. 

Jennifer Murphy Rapp: No more than 8 years. There should be an age cut off as well. Batavia is ran by (sorry to say) an aging group of politicians. If Batavia wants to grow then Batavia needs younger politicians to keep the city up to date. That stupid arch is seen in older city and towns. Batavia is trying to be young (and) alive. — Batavia Patch Facebook

Find out what's happening in Bataviawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Jocelyn Klotz: Yes, definitely term limits. I also think US congresspeople should have term limits. It should not be a lifetime career. — St. Charles Patch Facebook

Kay Campagna: there should be term limits. — Geneva Patch Facebook

Stephanie Van Craenenbroeck: I do normally support term limits for politicians BUT in this case (of Mayor Schielke) I am glad we do not have one. I still believe he is a effective leader for our community. — Batavia Patch Facebook

Steve Martin: I don't favor term limits for mayors. If the citizens lose confidence in a mayor's ability to properly lead, vote the mayor out of office. Rally support for a better candidate. The ballot box is the ultimate term limit. Witness the fate of 3 incumbent aldermen in Batavia yesterday. Further, we've seen mayors step down on their own - they've known when it's time to go. — St. Charles Patch Facebook

Maggie May: I think in the case of our mayor, the majority is happy. He had opponents in the last election, and the city spoke! I think maybe term limits would be okay, but definitely longer than the presidential limit of 2 terms. Maybe 4?? — Batavia Patch Facebook

Peggy Hawse: I think that if the job is being done well, the terms don't matter. — Batavia Patch Facebook

Jay Sluis: The reason Schielke was reelected is because he was running unopposed. It's pretty obvious by the aldermanic elections that Batavians think its time for a change. I agree with Jennifer, Batavia is run by aging politicians and needs new blood. This isn't a little farm town anymore, it's a 25,000+ resident suburb and we need leaders that will embrace that. I think 3 4-year terms is enough. — Batavia Patch Facebook

So what's your take? Tell us in the comments. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT YOUR NEIGHBORS HAD TO SAY IN PAST TRI-CITIES TALKS.


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