Voters to decide if Toledo mayors can serve 3 terms
Issue 9 will appear on the ballot as follows: Proposed charter amendment City of Toledo. Shall the proposed amendment set forth by citizen-initiated petition to Chapter VI Section 87S of the charter of the City of Toledo to limit the number of consecutive four-year mayoral terms to three from two, to be consistent with the term limits applied to Toledo City Council be adopted?
TOLEDO – When you pull into the Early Voting Center on Sylvania Ave. to cast your ballot for the Nov. 5 election, you’ll drive through dozens of political yard signs. It’s apparent from the many ‘Vote No on Issue 9’ signs that this issue is one of the more controversial ones Toledo voters will decide on in November.
BJ Fischer, the spokesman for the issue, explained that Issue 9 is a proposed amendment to expand the Toledo mayor’s term limit from two to three, or 12 years, to be consistent with city council terms. The proposal first appeared on the ballot last year “along with a dozen or so charter changes.” The issue was included with other charter proposals, resulting in its defeat at the polls.
Fischer said there had been some criticism about the items being lumped together on the ballot, so this year it was separated as an individual item for voters to decide. A citizen petition ensued earlier this year and enough signatures were obtained to place the proposal on the ballot.
He said there are advantages to extending it, particularly with Toledo’s strong mayor form of government. Approved by voters in 1993, this type of government gives Toledo mayors a large degree of control and responsibility.
Fischer brought up Columbus as an example, noting the mayor is limited to four terms, or 16 years. The extended time allows for better regional prosperity, increased stability in leadership and the ability to implement long-term initiatives. He emphasized that extending the term limit does not mean Toledo voters will reelect a mayor.
“In general, Toledo voters change mayors after one term,” he said, noting that only Carty Finkbeiner and current Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz have been elected to a second term since the strong mayor government was approved.
Fischer also acknowledged concerns by those who believe the term limits should remain at two.
Matthew Boyd is one of those voters who has concerns. On Friday, as he stood in a long line outside of the Early Voting Center, he shared his opinion on why he is voting no on Issue 9.
“Issue 9 is the charter amendment to extend consecutive terms for mayor from two to three. I think that is not necessary,” he said.
“An executive power for governor and presidency of two terms should be consistent at the local level, as well,” Boyd reasoned. “I think that every now and again we need new leadership, a new person to have a chance to take it in a different direction. I mean, some things that are going on right now are good, some things are not so good.
“So, I’m just looking to keep consistent because every other mayor in the past had two terms, like Carty. He ran and then he ran again a couple years later. Just two terms for consecutive terms and then you have to get out,” Boyd said.
Fischer said that whether or not Issue 9 passes is up to the voters. “The people should have the right to decide. The choice remains in the hands of voters.”
