How long should Denver's elected leaders be allowed to stay in office? Council members discussed a potential ballot initiative today that could reduce their time in office. Some didn’t like that idea — at least not for the council. dengov copolitics
“It's something that I heard a lot on the campaign trail from residents, people saying, 'You know, 12 years feels too long,'” said newly re-elected Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer.
Sawyer said council staff studied 39 major cities across the country. They found 54% of cities limited their mayors to eight years in office, with about 60% allowing city council members to serve 12 years or longer. Flynn said of the 39 council members who have served since the 2000 ballot initiative was implemented, only 12 have served three terms. Several council members joined Flynn in expressing skepticism about doing away with the three-term limit, saying it provides a good balance of experience, fresh ideas, and diversity.
“As our city becomes more gentrified, it is harder for people of color to have a voice at the table, and so when there’s only a limited number of us, I would be concerned with being term-limited,” said Alvidrez.Over 80% of the respondents were white; only 10% were Hispanic or Latino, and less than 5% were Black. Most of the respondents, 38%, lived in Sawyer and Sandoval’s districts. Only 30 people, or 4% of the respondents, lived in Councilwoman Shontel Lewis’ district.
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