Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Bellevue Council goes to state Legislature to extend term limits

Mayor and council members would serve four years


By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

The Bellevue City Council voted unanimously last Thursday to petition the Legislature to extend the city's term limits for elected officials. If approved, the move would require the mayor and council members to serve four-year terms instead of the two-year terms now set by city ordinance.

The vote was one of the first actions taken by a council that swore in three members last week. Amber Avila took her seat for the first time, and Dave Hattula and Janet Duffy were sworn in for their second two-year terms.

The city is required to seek state approval for the change because Bellevue, alone among Idaho cities, is still governed by a territorial charter, rather than Idaho municipal law.

Boise and Lewiston also had territorial charters until a few decades ago, but abandoned them so they could come under Idaho municipal law, said Justin Ruen, a policy analyst at the Association of Idaho Cities.

"The biggest difference [between territorial and municipal law] historically is that their elected officials serve for two years," Ruen said.

He said the change could also help Bellevue better coordinate elections.

"Two-year terms can make elected officials more accountable to the electorate, but if you have people who are basically volunteering for public office campaigning every two years, it could be strenuous," said Ruen.

Council Chair Dave Hattula cited the steep "learning curve" of elected officials, who have to get informed quickly about the issues and processes of city government.

"It takes every bit of a year," he said.

Several Bellevue residents spoke and wrote letters to the council in support of the change, saying it would allow officials to govern more efficiently and cover issues for a longer period of time before leaving office or having to spend energy running for re-election.

"The economic issues facing the city are not going to change for a while," said Bellevue resident and Hailey Police Chief Jeff Gunter. "I support it because I support experience."

However, several residents spoke out in opposition, saying the council was moving too quickly on an issue affecting many residents.

"Why not let people vote on the issue before bringing it to the Legislature?" asked Teresa Bergin.

"It would look a lot better if you let this wait around a year," said Florence Blanchard.

Mayor Chris Koch said he did not have a problem waiting and perhaps gathering public input on the matter before moving forward, but City Clerk Dee Barton said the council had to act by the end of January to meet a deadline for the Legislature to act on it this session.

City leaders will contact state representatives and senators to seek an extension of the term limits. The change would take effect in July 2012, Barton said.

In other Bellevue news:

( Mayor Koch will contact Hailey and Blaine County officials to find out if Bellevue can get a voting representative on the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority.

( The council voted unanimously to seek an exchange of city property at Southern Belle business park for county-owned property adjacent to the new Bellevue Fire Station. The property could be used for fire-fighting training, parking or community events.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com




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