Letter to the Editor: Term Limit Change is Needed

To the Editor:

It was interesting to read Mr. Meli's letter concerning the term limits issue before the Glen Cove City Council. All I can say is, the more things change, the more they stay the same.  

This issue has been on and off the agenda for years; it certainly didn't resurrect itself out of nowhere. During my tenure as president of the Chamber of Commerce early in this decade, we had contacted and discussed with the heads of both political parties the idea of increasing the mayoral term. We went to great lengths to try to introduce it at a time when it would not apply to the mayor then in office. We believed that it was in the best interests of the businesses of this city to do so as it was our view that two years was too short a time for businesses to plan ahead.

The possibility of a new administration with new or different ideas could change or affect any decisions they would make. In addition, we believed it took approximately one year for a mayor to get up to speed on the job, and then the following year to run again for office; not too efficient or productive for governing the city.  

Our discussions with all parties prompted us to bring that proposal to the council, and in truth, we found ourselves blindsided by the very people who had encouraged us to do so. Each time it was introduced, they decided to "further study" the issue and so it was tabled.

Each time it comes up, there is a call for more information just as was reported to have happened at the last public hearing.  That is its history as I have experienced it. As a current member of the government committee of the chamber, I am very much in favor of this proposal as stated by Glen Howard at the June 22 City Council meeting.

Now, as a private resident of this city for more than 44 years, I strongly urge the council to use its leadership to resolve this issue at this point in time. A term shorter than four years does nothing for this city as to its ability to plan for and experience healthy growth. If we are concerned that something will be done within those four years that we do not agree to, then make it a habit to know what is coming before the planning and zoning boards. 

Last I heard, we still have a government that gives us voice and knows that if they do not, they are gone next election. We also know we can succeed in controlling an issue by how we turn out to either object to or be in favor of a plan.  

Marie Coyle