Please note, that I do not consider myself a hero. Just a ordinary citizen that cares about his community.
Fishkill town board discusses term limits
By Kristine Coulter Staff Writer, Southern Dutchess News. A great source for local news, to subscribe as I do. Call 297-3723 for 52 issues at $26 per year, very reasonable.
Fishkill - Term limits could come to the Town of Fishkill. The town board recently discussed the issue of
limiting the number of times a person could be elected to hold office.
"I honestly believe that we should think about (term limits)," said Fishkill Deputy Town Supervisor Brian Callahan. "I don't think anybody should pitch a tent here for three or four terms."
Callahan went on to say that the challenges the town currently faces are "partially our own fault because we believed." The councilman added that people should have the opportunity to bring up other ideas.
A person would be able to run twice, for terms of three years, suggested Callahan.
"It's not what you elect people to do, it's who you elect," said Fishkill Supervisor Bob LaColla at the September 12 board meeting.
When a candidate is elected to be supervisor, that person is currently elected to a four year term. The same is true for the terms of councilperson. Those are the two positions that would have term limits, if voted for, by the board.
"As easily as we can make term limits, another board can undo them," noted the supervisor.
Supervisor LaColla went on to say, "I agree with the sentiment. I want to put the onus on the people to stay in touch" with what town officials are doing. He mentioned how surprised he was at the number of residents that watch the televised board meetings.
LaColla said people should not relax and they should question "everything" the board does. He called resident Ozzy Albra a "hero" for what Albra has done for the town by questioning officials at board meetings. Albra brought up the idea of a ward system like some municipalities have.
Councilman Tony Curry said he could see how some people could get complacent.
Councilman Tom Knips stated that a two-year term would not be a long enough amount of time for someone to get used to the position and then worry about campaigning again right away.
LaColla recently stated it is up to Callahan if the discussion regarding term limits moves forward.
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