A proposal to limit the number of terms the Hamilton County mayor and commissioners are able to serve was met with mixed reactions during a Wednesday discussion.
The language of the resolution, spearheaded by Commissioner Lee Helton, R-East Brainerd, would limit both commissioners and the county mayor to three terms, or 12 years, in office — cumulatively, not consecutively.
That limitation is slightly different from the mayor and commissioner term limits in Knox and Shelby counties, which allow two consecutive terms. The Nashville Metro Council, made up of a consolidated county and city government, also allows mayors and council members two consecutive terms.
The proposal would have to be taken up by the Tennessee legislature this year through a private act, a piece of legislation that applies to a specific local government or other organizations and individuals. If the legislature were to pass the private act, the proposal would land on the November ballot for county residents to approve.
During the meeting, Helton said he believes term limits create a sense of urgency for elected officials to deliver on their plans. Term limits also give other people the chance to run for open seats more frequently, he said, allowing a variety of representatives for the county districts.