Term limits may be adjusted

Tarpon Springs is re-examining its rules as it ponders the question: Should a commissioner who has served two terms be allowed to run for mayor without waiting?

By KATHERINE GAZELLA

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 2, 2001

TARPON SPRINGS -- City officials may explore changes to Tarpon Springs' term limits, which prevent elected officials from holding office for more than two consecutive terms.

Commissioners discussed term limits at a meeting Tuesday night but did not make any decisions. The issue came up because two people had written letters to the city requesting that the policy be re-examined.

The letter writers, David Touch and John Stott, suggested that the city should consider whether a commissioner who has served two terms can then run for mayor without waiting.

Touch, who recently moved out of Tarpon Springs, said Wednesday that he and Stott had talked about the issue about a year ago. They noted that many other cities consider the commission and mayoral roles separately in their term limits, which allows commissioners to run for mayor without having to wait.

Touch, who worked on Mayor Frank DiDonato's campaign, said the current system forces qualified people to "go out of the system" for a while before running for office again.

He said the letters, which were written a couple of months ago, were not sent with any particular commissioners in mind.

"It's not in my interest. I'm a two-term mayor," DiDonato said during Tuesday night's discussion. "But I think the voters should always decide whether an official should be there or not."

Commissioners Cindy Sanner and Jim Archer said they would be open to discussions about the issue and whether to schedule a referendum to amend the city charter.

"I don't think you should deny anyone an opportunity," Archer said.

Commissioner Karen Brayboy said that if the issue goes to a referendum, current commissioners should be exempted from any changes. That would eliminate the appearance that the effort is self-serving, she said.

She said she isn't convinced that a referendum is necessary.

"My personal feeling is the voters spoke to us very clearly on the last referendum," Brayboy said.

In 1992, voters decided to limit commissioners to two terms but to make each term three years instead of two. The same rules apply to the mayor. Last year, voters overwhelmingly voted against a referendum that would have eliminated term limits in the city.

Residents who attended the meeting said they didn't think the rules should be changed. Former Mayor Anita Protos said term limits help to ensure that new people are given a chance at public office.

"This is not just for a select few," said Protos, who served eight years as mayor and almost seven years as a city commissioner.

She said in 1999 that she intended to run for office this year, but announced earlier in the year that she would sit out the election. At that time, she said she may run for office next year.

Resident Joseph La Rocca said term limits help prevent corruption and stagnation.

"You've got some good young people coming in," he said. "Let's leave it at two terms and give them a break."

Commissioner Beverley Billiris was absent from the meeting. Commissioners said they will revisit the issue at a later meeting.

- Staff writer Katherine Gazella can be reached at (727) 445-4182.

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