08-31-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• The commissioners continued to discuss the constitutional, statutory and policy issues presented by the proposed charter amendment. It was clear from the debate that the commission was very divided in their viewpoints of the benefits or dis- advantages of taking action now on this amendment. Speeches were made that term limits were good public policy, not clearly illegal, probably not unconstitu- tional, definitely illegal and unconstitutional, bad public policy, effective in other states, would bring the city into expensive lawsuits as a test case was required, would not cost the city anything because the LMC defends cities, would not cost the city because Minneapolis could be the test case for constitutionality, and that the charter commission should take a wait and see approach and postpone action. Duane McCarty moved the previous question [to stop debate], Richard Oman seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-5; Nays-7; motion fails. The commission continued to discuss the perceived benefits of term limits as well as the disadvantages of term limits and whether and when lawsuits might occur. Motion by Richard Oman, second by Duane McCarty, to amend the motion on the floor by replacing it with the following substitute language: "Term Limits. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no person may file to be a candidate for election to a term that would cause the person to serve more than eight total years in the office of Mayor or eight total years in the office of City Council." This motion to be submitted to the voters in November's general election. A roll call vote was requested on the motion to substitute language: Julie Trude- no; Russ Warren- yes; Bob Toborg- no; Dave Long- no; Jerry Linke- no; Duane McCarty- yes; Ruth White- yes; Arlene Werdien- yes; Lloyd Bardwell- yes; Bill Werner- yes; Sue Hankner- no; Richard Oman- yes. Motion to substitute passes; • 7-yes, 5-no. -4-