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Case 92: Review Ordinance Amending Mayor's Term <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen summarized that the Charter Commission has been discussing, at length, <br />primaries versus no primaries, wards versus at large, and the term of the Mayor. The Commission <br />is proposing the only change be that of the term of the Mayor - from two years to four years. He <br />invited participation from the audience also. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beahen expressed being in favor of the Mayor's term being lengthened. She <br />reasoned that you are just becoming familiar with everything the first year. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen inquired how the others felt about this commencing with the election year <br />1996. <br /> <br />Commissioner Swokowski inquired what the advantages/disadvantages would be to have the <br />Mayor election in off-presidential years. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kiefer felt it made a difference from the standpoint of higher voter turnout. The <br />people voting will be more representative of who they want for mayor. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan added that it does not mean they will be more educated on issues of the <br />mayor; however, there will be more people voting in presidential years. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen commented that you can lose a mayoral election in terms of attention paid to it <br />and questioned if the issue of getting it started see the Charter Commission as favoring or not <br />favoring incumbents. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin stated he is neutral on two or four year terms and added that there are plusses and <br />minuses for both. His concern is when this might take effect in relationship to the political climate <br />fight now. He offered to support this lengthening of the term if it would take effect at a future <br />date. <br /> <br />Commissioner Swokowski suggested that if this would be put into effect this year, some people <br />who are planning to mn for mayor may or may not run because of it. He questioned if a longer <br />term would be a deterrent. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin stated he did not know if it would be a deterrent or not; however, in light of things <br />that have happened in the last couple of years that the City continues to be partially absorbed in - <br />whatever recommendation is made by the Charter Commission, someone may say it was made <br />because of this or that. Setting a future date might be perceived as favorable. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan suggested commencing with election year 2000. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kiefer expressed a concern of the change being forgotten in the meantime. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan explained he is not saying to delay the action, just delay the date the action <br />will take place. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen inquired if there was any problem or opinion on the electoral process itself. <br />Does it make a difference in terms of how the City does its processes. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder responded that it would still be the same. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated he believes we are dealing with a politically sensitive issue with a <br />Council that is not unanimous. If we are looking for an "unvote" of the Council, it would be by <br />making it effective fight away. <br /> <br />Charter Commission/February 1, 1996 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />