BUFFALO, N.Y. — November is when we see the handshakes and hear the victory and concession speeches.
One local lawmaker on the Erie County legislature wants to make sure the same person isn't at the podium every year without a term limit.
Legislator John Bargnesi proposed term limits for elected officials in Erie County. "It would be three full terms, four year terms each," he said.
Bargnesi said he helped make term limits happen in 2006 in the Town of Tonawanda serving on the Town Board.
"I proposed term limits. It was adopted and actually I termed myself out of office. I think it gives new opportunity for people that would run against an incumbent when they know their term is coming to an end. We need to generate new interest in people serving our community. It's not an easy field to break into, and especially if you have an incumbent that's been there for years or decades, I hope it hopefully expands the pool for people to serve."
Here is how the initial proposal for term limits would work if adopted.
*Erie County Legislators will be elected in 2025 for a single, one-year term. In 2026, legislators will be elected for a four-year term and would only be able to serve a total of three terms following the 2026 election cycle.
*For the Comptroller, the winner of the 2025 election will serve a three-year term ending in 2028 to transition to an even-year cycle. The three-term limit will begin with the 2028 election cycle.
*For the Sheriff, the winner of the 2025 election will serve a three-year term ending in 2028. The three-term limit will begin with the 2028 election cycle.
*For the County Executive, the winner of the 2027 election will serve a three-year term ending in 2030. The three-term limit will begin with the 2030 election cycle.
*The Clerk and District Attorney are currently elected during even-year elections. The three-term limit will begin in 2026 for Clerk and 2028 for District Attorney.
The term limits will be on the agenda at the next legislature meeting. It will then head to committee for open discussion before a public hearing. Bargnesi wants the lawmakers to vote in favor of a term limit referendum to be placed on the November ballot.