Brookhaven Town term limit proposition

Brookhaven Town residents are being asked to approve a change in the number of years that the supervisor and other elected officials may serve, and limit how long they can remain in office.

If the proposition on the Nov. 6 ballot is approved, terms for most elected town officials would be doubled from two years to four years. The change would affect the supervisor, town council members and the highway superintendent, all of whom serve two-year terms.

The change would not affect the town clerk and receiver of taxes, who already serve four-year terms.

If the proposition is approved, all elected officials would be limited to three four-year terms, or a total of 12 years in office.

Supporters of the proposition, including Republican Supervisor Edward P. Romaine, say longer terms would give them more time to do their jobs before they seek re-election. They say term limits also would ensure regular turnover of elected officials.

Opponents, including civic activists, say longer terms would limit the number of times residents can vote for town offices. They point out that United States congressional representatives serve two-year terms.

Some opponents of the longer terms, however, say they support term limits and say the two issues should be offered in separate propositions.

If approved, the changes would take effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

By Carl MacGowan

carl.macgowan@newsday.comCarlMacGowan

Carl MacGowan is a Long Island native who covers Brookhaven Town after having previously covered Smithtown, Suffolk County courts and numerous spot news and feature stories over his 20-plus year career at Newsday.