Strict Term Limits Initiative
STRICT TERM LIMITS INITIATIVE
EXCERPT OF NOTICE OF INTENT TO CIRCULATE
The City Council is the most important government body in the City of Newport Beach. The Initiative To Establish Strict Term Limits for City Council Members completely closes the current loophole that allows former City Council Members to return to the City Council for an unlimited number of terms after breaks between terms. This Initiative limits the total time any individual can serve on the City Council to two four-year terms, or a total of eight years.
This simple rule change is consistent with best practices for legislative bodies in many other California cities.
Reduce Distractions for Council Members: Currently, City Council Members in their second term will inevitably think about returning to the City Council. This Initiative removes that distraction. After passage of this Initiative, Council Members in their second term will be less focused on future campaigns and more focused on what is best for the City.
Prevent Consolidation of Power: This Initiative eliminates incentives for Council Members to consolidate power in an effort to return to the City Council. This Initiative also reduces the incentives for Council Members to make backroom deals, and to ask for and give favors intended to help a future re-election campaign.
Allow For Experienced, Not Entrenched Leadership. This Initiative recognizes that the City can benefit from experienced City Council Members with institutional knowledge. However, serving on the City Council should not be a lifetime career or entitlement.
Create Opportunities for New Leadership: This Initiative will encourage civic participation. Lifetime term limits will create a more even playing field for new candidates by removing the unfair advantage of long-term incumbents. This Initiative creates opportunities for new and independent perspectives and voices on the City Council.
After passage of the Real City Council Term Limits Initiative, City Council elections will be more open and the City Council will better serve the people of Newport Beach.