Term Limits Likely for Dunedin's Next Elected Officials

The next round of elected officials may have their terms capped.

A city-appointed committee suggests limiting elected positions to either two or three four-year terms come election time. Elected officials would have to take a two-year break before running for another position.

Charter Review Committee members think the limits will create a more competitive leadership climate and prevent incumbents with means for strong financial backing from monopolizing seats.

“Here we’re trying to generate turnover,” said Jack Greenfield, a member of the committee. “Trying to bring new blood and bring hybrid vigor.”

Members weighed expert opinion and arguments both for and against during a Sept. 14 meeting at the . Denise Schlegel, city clerk, also sought insight from the Florida League of Cities Inc.

The seven-member group is tasked with reviewing the charter, a document that defines the governing system, as required every five years.

“One thing bothers me,” committee member Lois Phillips said: “Losing the institutional memory.”

Committee member George Nigro offered a counterpoint.

With the fast pace of technological advances, those with invaluable institutional knowledge may also be slow to change, he explained.

“It can be good" to keep institutional memory in place, Nigro said. “But sometimes it can be not so good.”

The committee suggested institutionalizing a formal training program for incoming leaders because, as it stands now, “you just learn it by the seat of your pants,” said City Commissioner David Carson, also in attendance.

Members are proposing an effective date beginning on Election Day 2012.

The next Charter Review Committee meeting is at 6 p.m. Sept. 28 in the City Hall conference room. It is open to the public.