Dave Betas council for the the board of elections, is most likely correct. The charter amendment to limit city council members to 2 four-year terms means the current group of council members can campaign and run again. They could even be around for the next 8 years.
I doubt this is in the spirit of the voters' minds. Youngstown voters voted 80 per cent to 20 for term limits. The voters likely thought they would soon see a new crop of council members.Â
crafted the ballot issue didn't include language that would make the resolution retroactive. Most voters probably had visions of Mike Ray and three of his council members being marched out of city hall.Â
Thats not likely to happen and really why should it? The law takes effect in January and says nothing about terms already served. I was lobbied recently to campaign to have the members ushered out immediately, but at the end of the day you have to live by the rule of the law.Â
For those of you who want an early dismissal of the long serving council members, remember you have the ultimate decision by voting for anyone but them in the next election.Â
Mike Ray was quoted by channel 27 and paraphrasing his words, he said he was against term limits because the council needs stability. I interpret that as saying few can do the job. Time after time, I have seen new talent emerge in the organization and it's usually for the good of the order. I know it's not what you want to hear, but I think that's how a judge would interpret the case before him or her.
Dan Rivers
Talk Host 9a-Noon
News Radio 570 WKBN