Suffolk lawmakers vote to give themselves more time in office — but voters could still say no thanks
The county Board of Legislators sought to justify the permanent extension by tying it to a switch in New York State that is moving local elections to even years so that they line up with federal elections.
The change would prevent lawmakers elected this year to have to run again next year and then again in 2028, but voters will get to decide if they agree on their November ballots.
While Suffolk County lawmakers approved a measure to lengthen their terms in office from two to four year terms, voters will have the final say on Election Day.
Brandon Cruz / NY Post
'This is important legislation,' Suffolk Executive Ed Romaine told The Post.
'It saves taxpayer dollars and protects fair elections. Most importantly, the measure will be put to the voters, unlike the state that decided to change elections without bringing it to the people.'
Romaine said he intends to sign the legislation as soon as it hits his desk.
The state passed the controversial law to consolidate elections in 2023, with local officials claiming it unfairly tied county, town or village elections to national issues while benefiting Democrats in the largely blue state.
The change has so far survived legal scrutiny and this year's races will see candidates who win serve shortened terms as a result.
Suffolk Executive Ed Romaine told The Post, 'This is important legislation,' while County Legislator James Mazzarella in a statement acknowledged that the extended time in office has to do with 'preserving the will of the voters.'
Jim Mazzarella For Suffolk
County Legislator James Mazzarella (R) said the extended time in office was 'about preserving the will of the voters.'
'Without this act, we risk midterm resignations, causing costly special elections and political instability,' he said in a statement.
The county's bill would not change a long-standing 12-year limit for serving in the legislature, but it tweaks the rules for current legislators.
If the ballot measure passes, current lawmakers would be allowed serve out their final term if it goes beyond 12 years — a move politicians claimed was to avoid the 'chaos' of midterm resignations.
Although lawmakers used the shift in election years as justification to beef up the length they could serve without campaigning, Suffolk recently pushed to stretch lawmakers' terms from two to four years in 2020.
More than 70% of voters voted against the measure on ballots.
Westchester County's Board of Legislators similarly tried to extend term limits in 2024, with voters promptly voting against the measure.
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