Longer Gulfport Council Terms?

Councilors in favor of increasing term limits say it'll save the city thousands of dollars and allow members more time to see projects through. If councilors move forward with extending terms from the current two year cycle, it could effect those choosing to run in the March 2014 Municipal Elections.

"You have between now and December to workshop it," Jim O'Reilly, City Manager, said during Tuesday night's regular council meeting.

Councilor Christine Brown sparked the discussion. Two Charter Review Committees supported it, she said. And when compared to 20 cities similar in size, 60 percent of the cities had six year terms for councilors and commissioners, Brown said.

"For the stability of the board, it’s a good idea for us to consider raising the number of years to 3 years or 4 years," Brown said.

The concept isn't new to council, Councilor Jennifer Salmon also suggested extending terms twice in the past two years but didn't gain any support from her fellow councilors.

"I brought this up before. I think it’s a great idea.” Salmon said.

In the past, Salmon suggested allowing three years for council members and four years for the mayor.

By "skipping" an election, the city would save $15,300, according to City Clerk Lesley DeMuth.

Mayor Henderson and Vice Mayor Dan Liedkte opposed the idea.

“I think those short terms keep you accountable,” Henderson said.

"I'm with you mayor. I like the two years because it leaves the power in the citizens hands," Liedtke said.

Brown defended her suggestion.

"It’s not about that, it’s about doing the job in a way that allows us to follow the cycle that we started and be able to see things through. That’s not what my focus is. My focus is doing the best we can for the citizens without an interruption," she said.

Councilor Michael Fridovich didn't support or oppose the suggestion and asked for council to discuss the idea at a workshop.

With three to two in favor of a workshop, City Manager Jim O'Reilly said he would add the item to a workshop in November. 

Term Limits in Pinellas County

St. Pete Beach: Population 9,960, two-year terms, no term limits

Treasure Island: Population 6,705, two-year terms, no term limits

Madeira Beach: Population 4,263, two-year terms, no term limits

Safety Harbor: Population 16,884, three-year terms, no term limits

Dunedin: Population 35,321, four-year terms, limited to two consecutive terms

Contact Gulfport City Councilors

Mayor Sam Henderson: shenderson@mygulfport.us

Vice Mayor, Ward 1 Dan Liedtke: dliedtke@mygulfport.us

Christine Brown, Ward 2: cbrown@mygulfport.us

Jennifer Salmon, Ward 3: jsalmon@mygulfport.us

Michael Fridovich, Ward 4: mfridovich@mygulfport.us

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