Sunday, August 10, 2008

PUBLIC HEARING TOMORROW ON TERM LIMITS

The Buffalo News reports....

The Royalton Town Board will hold a public hearing at 7:15 p. m. Monday to consider lengthening the terms of office for the town supervisor and three other elected officials from two to four years.The board will also consider extending the terms of the town clerk, highway superintendent and tax collector.

After gathering public input, if the board adopts a local law changing the terms, the matter will go to a referendum during the Nov. 4 general election.

“The newer members of our board suggested this,” said Supervisor Richard J. Lang. “I understand both sides of it. Some would like the supervisor and others to run every two years and be accountable. Others believe in a four-year term because with a two-year term, by the time you get familiar with the position, it’s time to run for office again.” Lang defeated incumbent Supervisor Calvin W. Rhoney last fall for a two-year term.

Town Clerk Marie Little said a similar proposal to extend the terms of office was voted down in 2004. The elected offices of the Town Board and town justices already carry four-year terms in Royalton. Supervisors with two-year terms lead the majority of towns across Niagara County. In addition to Royalton, they include Lockport, Wilson, Newfane, Somerset, Lewiston, Wheatfield and Pendleton. Supervisors in the towns of Niagara, Cambria, Porter and Hartland serve four-year terms.

Last November, voters in the towns of Lockport and Wilson defeated similar propositions to lengthen terms of office for the supervisor post.

Source:
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/411471.html