City Councilor at large Paul Brasco still holds out hope that his proposal to let voters decide whether councilors terms should be lengthened from two to four years can still come to fruition.
The idea, though, may need some reviving once the City Council reconvenes next month.
"I am a realist and at this point I'd probably have to say it's dead in the water," Brasco said.
For one thing, the support from Brasco's fellow councilors to put the issue on the ballot may simply not be there.
In June, Brasco wanted the council to request Mayor Jeannette McCarthy submit in writing whether she would be in favor of placing the question on the ballot. The council only narrowly approved Brasco's request by a vote of 8-6.
McCarthy responded to the request, but said she wanted to meet with the council to discuss term lengths as well as other issues.
Initially, Brasco hoped that the question could be placed on the November ballot, when turnout would likely be higher due to the presidential election.
That won't happen, he said, because of the number of obstacles that would need to be hurdled before the issue can be brought to the voters.
A special act has to be crafted by the Law Department, which then has to be approved by both the City Council and the mayor. When that happens, it would then need to be sent to the Legislature for approval. Only then, could it be placed on the ballot.
Brasco said to get the question on the ballot, he'd be in favor of asking voters whether they are in favor of limiting the number of terms councilors serve.
Brasco argues lengthening the terms would improve dwindling voter turnout and encourage more people to run for public office.
Councilors Robert Kelly and Sarafina "Sally" Collura have vocally supported Brasco's effort to try to lengthen terms from two to four years - the same as those of the mayor and School Committee.
During a June meeting other councilors, such as Robert Logan, Ed Tarallo and Kathleen McMenimen voiced opposition to putting it on the ballot.
Brasco said ultimately he hopes the issue of term lengths will will be a discussion item in the council and not become lost in the shuffle.
"We can debate the issue - right or wrong, everyone has an opinion on it," Brasco said. "It deserves debate, it deserves the will of the people."
Richard Conn can be contacted at 781-398-8004 or rconn@cnc.com.
