When the issue of a four-year term for City Council was first proposed by Councilor Paul Brasco, I thought I would wait until the public hearing to speak out on the issue. However, based on what I have been reading, I thought it important to put forth an opposing view. This is one issue that probably should die in committee.
The first piece of misinformation is that it will save the city $70,000 every two years because we would not have to have elections. The reality is the School Committee terms are staggered so three members are elected every two years. Therefore, we still must have an election every two years.
Councilor Sally Collura stated that she is best qualified to comment on this issue. I wonder what she thought when she first ran. Based on her running six times before she was elected, if we had had four-year terms she would not have been elected for another 12 years. I don't see how this encourages people to run.
I have run unsuccessfully for councilor at large twice. I put as much time into the campaign as any of those who were elected. However, at no time did I look at it as the chore that several current councilors seem to feel it is. The best way to find out what people think is to take the time and talk to them. Every door I knocked on was a learning experience.
In general, legislative bodies serve only a two-year term. Our state representative and senator, as well as our congressman, serve for two years. The reason for this is so they are accountable to the people.
Look at the agenda of the City Council right now. It is full of large and sometimes controversial development proposals. Now look back to last fall. Controversial issues are nearly always brought forth in non-election years. This is true at all levels of government. A four-year term takes voter oversight out of the equation for three years.
Councilor Collura stated in her letter to the editor that campaigning every two years is extremely disruptive to her private life. Running for public office is the choice that she and all the other councilors made. If they don't feel it is important enough to go back to the public every two years and say, "how am I doing?" then maybe they should step aside.
The only one who benefits from a four-year term is an incumbent office holder.
BILL FOWLER, Waltham
