3-year term for mayor is facing a vote

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 23, 2000

ST. PETE BEACH -- Commissioners last week approved a ballot referendum that would increase the mayor's term of office from two to three years. The voters will decide in March 2001.

"It has become evident that we should extend the mayor's term from two to three years," said Commissioner Jim Myers, who proposed the change. "There is no substitute for experience in leading us through complicated issues."

A similar proposal to extend commission terms to three years was defeated.

If voters extend the mayor's term, they also would change election cycles, with the two-year commission races taking turns with the mayoral election. Currently, only commission Districts 1 and 2 are paired with the mayor's contest. The elections in Districts 3 and 4 typically have experienced a lower turnout.

"A three-year term would give the mayor a better chance to accomplish things for the community," said Commissioner Rachel Crepeau.

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