Latest news with #termlimits
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Councilman nearing enough signatures to put term limits plan on Mitchell ballot
Aug. 8—MITCHELL — A proposed term limits initiative petition being circulated by a Mitchell City Council member could effectively turn over six of eight City Council positions, if it's successful. Councilman Mike Bathke is carrying a petition to put term limits on Mitchell's elected officials and expects to finish the petition within the month. If successful, the petition would bring term limits to a vote of the people at the ballot booth, and would impact the seats of the Mitchell City Council members and Mitchell's mayor. Bathke told the Mitchell Republic he is within 20 to 30 signatures of the required signature count. The petition requires 502 signatures, which is 5% of the about 10,000 registered voters in the city of Mitchell. Bathke is hoping the term-limit ordinance can go to a public vote in June 2026. He told the Mitchell Republic that he doesn't want taxpayers to pay for a special election in November 2025, which costs about $10,000, and that he wants a good voter turnout, which happens when there's more questions on the ballot. If approved by voters, the ballot item would introduce a new ordinance to limit city-elected officials to three consecutive terms, including past or present terms of sitting officials. "It could take possibly four years to term out six people," Bathke said. "If it passes, six of the eight on the council would term out after the 2027 election." That would mean, if passed, council president Kevin McCardle and council members Jeff Smith, Marty Barington, and Dan Sabers would be ineligible to run in the 2027 council election. However, under the proposed referendum, council members would be eligible to run for mayor. Furthermore, if the ordinance were to go to a special election in November and is passed, council members Susan Tjarks and John Doescher would be ineligible to run in the 2026 council election. Bathke is seeking term limits for those sitting on the council, including himself, which is something that was lacking from the ordinance the council unanimously voted down in June. At that meeting, Bathke vowed to bring a petition to the vote of the people. The proposed term-limits ordinance allows a person to serve in the role in which they are term-limited if no other candidate has submitted a valid petition for the position. Additionally, any term-limited council member could run for mayor and vice versa. After a break of 18 months, a term-limited official could run again. An initial City Council proposal in June would not have counted past or current terms toward the three consecutive term limit. "There's some people in our community — good, smart men and women — that would be more than willing to step up and do this," said Bathke, who noted that being on the council is a commitment but is rewarding. The council members who would potentially be term limited out have a collective 73 years of combined experience on Mitchell's legislative body. Term limits will reshape the city, according to Bathke, who hopes that more people get involved in the election process of Mitchell and pay attention to what's going on. Bathke noted that an easy step for people to stay informed is to watch the council meetings. The petition cost $800 in attorney fees, which Bathke personally paid for. He said many of the signatures were gathered at Arts in the Park, the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party and people reaching out personally. "It's been really nice and cool to see people I've never met reach out to me and say, 'Hey, I want to sign the petition,'" Bathke said. However, not everyone agrees with Bathke. "I don't necessarily buy the 'new idea' argument, because I listen to people all the time and get new ideas," said council vice president Tim Goldammer. Bathke and Goldammer were sworn in on the same day for their first terms in 2023. Goldammer and Doescher separately told the Mitchell Republic that term limits make sense on the national level, but not on the local level. Goldammer told the Mitchell Republic he is 60% through his first term and is just now feeling like he is connecting with his constituents. "I think I've started to fully grasp some of the real concerns from my area of town," Goldammer said. Goldammer noted that some city projects take years to progress because of the scope and price tag, and that leaders should have those ideas in the back of their minds. A project of note for Goldammer is flooding and water flow issues in the Miller Street area and the Dry Run Creek area near Burr Street. "And I'm not saying that somebody new to the council can't do that," Goldammer said. "It's important to have somebody in the room who can vocalize those concerns that might be unique to a specific area of town, make sure they stay in focus." For those council members who would be term limited out, the average time in office is 12 years. Council members Smith and Barington have served since 2006, Tjarks since 2013, McCardle and Doescher since 2017, Sabers since 2018, and Bathke and Goldammer since 2023. Doescher compared the term limit petition with the Lake Mitchell vote, when the council voted 5-3 for a resolution to hold a special election over a $25 million lake dredging loan. "I wasn't in favor of borrowing all that money for the lake, but voters passed it by 30 votes," Doescher said. Mitchell Mayor Jordan Hanson told the Mitchell Republic he plans to sign the petition. The proposed ordinance would affect the mayor's office, as well. Council members Barington, McCardle, Sabers, Smith, and Tjarks did not respond to requests for comment prior to the publication of this story. "I think the majority of the council members have the same attitude as (I do) and that is let the voters decide," Doescher told the Mitchell Republic. "If you don't like my job, then vote me out, or run against me or get somebody to run against me." Solve the daily Crossword
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Washington can't afford to bet on Bukele's dictatorship
Nayib Bukele's El Salvador is now officially a dictatorship. Last week, his party modified the country's constitution to remove term limits on the presidency, opening the door to lifetime rule. For all intents and purposes, El Salvador was already a functional dictatorship before the constitutional changes were pushed through. After the amendments, though, it's pointless to even pretend otherwise.
CNN
6 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
US sides with El Salvador on eliminating presidential term limits, prompting democracy debate
The US State Department has voiced rare support for El Salvador's decision to abolish presidential term limits, paving the way for President Nayib Bukele to seek indefinite reelection. Critics argue the controversial move undermines democratic stability. El Salvador's legislature, controlled by Bukele's Nuevas Ideas party, approved the constitutional amendment swiftly in a vote late last week, sparking immediate backlash domestically and internationally. The amendment clears the way for presidents to serve multiple consecutive terms. Now, the US is publicly backing the Central American nation's leadership. 'El Salvador's Legislative Assembly was democratically elected to advance the interests and policies of their constituents,' a State Department spokesperson said in a statement. 'Their decision to make constitutional changes is their own. It is up to them to decide how their country should be governed.' US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have previously praised Bukele's effectiveness in reducing crime and have cited El Salvador as a model for regional security cooperation. Rubio and Bukele established a relationship long before he became Trump's top diplomat. After Rubio visited El Salvador as a senator in 2023, he celebrated Bukele's leadership and crackdown on criminal gangs, calling on him to make El Salvador's democratic institutions strong to attract more foreign investment. When the Trump administration began deporting migrants from the United States to the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador – many of them alleged Venezuelan gang members – Rubio served as a key point person. He traveled to El Salvador early on in his tenure as secretary of state and personally worked with Bukele and senior Salvadoran officials on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, court filings show. Rubio also engaged directly with Bukele to negotiate a complex prisoner swap - 250 Venezuelans deported from the US to El Salvador in exchange for 10 US nationals held in Venezuela. Following the legislature's vote, Salvadoran opposition lawmaker, Marcela Villatoro, warned, 'Democracy has died in El Salvador today,' emphasizing concerns about consolidated power and diminished political participation. Bukele took office in 2019 for a five-year term. In 2021, El Salvador's Supreme Court – composed of judges appointed by Bukele's party-controlled Congress – ruled that immediate reelection was permissible, despite being previously unconstitutional. At the time, the ruling drew sharp criticism from rights groups, opposition leaders and even the US embassy under the Biden administration, marking a stark contrast to the current US position. In August 2024, Bukele told Time Magazine he would not seek a third term in office. International reactions have been cautious, with the European Union stating it 'takes note' of El Salvador's constitutional reforms and emphasizing future cooperation will be guided by 'democratic governance, transparency, respect for the rule of law and human rights,' according to the Europa Press. Juanita Goebertus, Americas director for Human Rights Watch, sharply criticized the move, posting: 'Bukele's party is pushing an express constitutional reform to allow indefinite presidential re-election. They are following the same path as Venezuela. It begins with a leader using his popularity to concentrate power and ends in dictatorship.' The US State Department spokesperson pushed back on that sentiment, stating: 'We reject the comparison of El Salvador's democratically based and constitutionally sound legislative process with illegitimate dictatorial regimes elsewhere in our region.' The US State Department's position represents a significant shift from its historical stance, where it has typically criticized prolonged presidential terms across Latin America, raising concerns among observers about the long-term implications for democracy in the region. In El Salvador, many citizens vocally support Bukele's constitutional reforms, viewing them as essential for continued stability and security. Still, some observers question whether the immediate security gains might mask deeper risks to El Salvador's democracy. Bukele defended the decision vigorously on social media, posting on X: '90% of developed countries allow the indefinite re-election of their head of government … and when a small, poor country like El Salvador tries to do the same, suddenly it's the end of democracy.' Damian Merlo, an adviser to Bukele, further reinforced this position, telling CNN: 'The constitutional change reflects the will of the Salvadoran people, who overwhelmingly support continuity in the country's development and progress.' Merlo added, 'Permitting reelection does not guarantee extended terms — President Bukele, and/or anyone running for President will still need to campaign, win votes, and earn the people's trust all over again.' Despite widespread criticism from human rights groups and democracy advocates, Bukele maintains overwhelming popularity amongst Salvadorans, largely due to his aggressive crackdown on street gangs, reducing crime dramatically. CNN previously reported that Bukele's tough security measures have resulted in historically low homicide rates – according to the Salvadoran government – helping to boost his approval ratings consistently above 90%. Bukele appears unbothered by the criticism. In a June speech marking the first year of his second term, he said he 'didn't care' about accusations of authoritarianism. 'I'd rather be called a dictator than see Salvadorans murdered in the streets,' Bukele said to cheers. 'When I check my phone, I'd rather read 'dictator, dictator, dictator' in the headlines than see 'murder, murder, murder.'' Yet, critics like Amnesty International warn of serious risks to democratic foundations, a divide echoed on social media. Martina Navratilova, a former professional tennis player, posted on X: 'And we are next,' echoing broader concerns about democratic erosion in the US. Trump has previously made headlines on the topic of term limits. In 2018, Trump notably praised Chinese President Xi Jinping's removal of term restrictions, stating: 'He's now president for life. … I think it's great. Maybe we'll have to give that a shot someday,' though his comments were largely perceived as rhetorical and drew criticism at the time.
CNN
6 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
US sides with El Salvador on eliminating presidential term limits, prompting democracy debate
South America Donald Trump Federal agenciesFacebookTweetLink Follow The US State Department has voiced rare support for El Salvador's decision to abolish presidential term limits, paving the way for President Nayib Bukele to seek indefinite reelection. Critics argue the controversial move undermines democratic stability. El Salvador's legislature, controlled by Bukele's Nuevas Ideas party, approved the constitutional amendment swiftly in a vote late last week, sparking immediate backlash domestically and internationally. The amendment clears the way for presidents to serve multiple consecutive terms. Now, the US is publicly backing the Central American nation's leadership. 'El Salvador's Legislative Assembly was democratically elected to advance the interests and policies of their constituents,' a State Department spokesperson said in a statement. 'Their decision to make constitutional changes is their own. It is up to them to decide how their country should be governed.' US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have previously praised Bukele's effectiveness in reducing crime and have cited El Salvador as a model for regional security cooperation. Rubio and Bukele established a relationship long before he became Trump's top diplomat. After Rubio visited El Salvador as a senator in 2023, he celebrated Bukele's leadership and crackdown on criminal gangs, calling on him to make El Salvador's democratic institutions strong to attract more foreign investment. When the Trump administration began deporting migrants from the United States to the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador – many of them alleged Venezuelan gang members – Rubio served as a key point person. He traveled to El Salvador early on in his tenure as secretary of state and personally worked with Bukele and senior Salvadoran officials on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, court filings show. Rubio also engaged directly with Bukele to negotiate a complex prisoner swap - 250 Venezuelans deported from the US to El Salvador in exchange for 10 US nationals held in Venezuela. Following the legislature's vote, Salvadoran opposition lawmaker, Marcela Villatoro, warned, 'Democracy has died in El Salvador today,' emphasizing concerns about consolidated power and diminished political participation. Bukele took office in 2019 for a five-year term. In 2021, El Salvador's Supreme Court – composed of judges appointed by Bukele's party-controlled Congress – ruled that immediate reelection was permissible, despite being previously unconstitutional. At the time, the ruling drew sharp criticism from rights groups, opposition leaders and even the US embassy under the Biden administration, marking a stark contrast to the current US position. In August 2024, Bukele told Time Magazine he would not seek a third term in office. International reactions have been cautious, with the European Union stating it 'takes note' of El Salvador's constitutional reforms and emphasizing future cooperation will be guided by 'democratic governance, transparency, respect for the rule of law and human rights,' according to the Europa Press. Juanita Goebertus, Americas director for Human Rights Watch, sharply criticized the move, posting: 'Bukele's party is pushing an express constitutional reform to allow indefinite presidential re-election. They are following the same path as Venezuela. It begins with a leader using his popularity to concentrate power and ends in dictatorship.' The US State Department spokesperson pushed back on that sentiment, stating: 'We reject the comparison of El Salvador's democratically based and constitutionally sound legislative process with illegitimate dictatorial regimes elsewhere in our region.' The US State Department's position represents a significant shift from its historical stance, where it has typically criticized prolonged presidential terms across Latin America, raising concerns among observers about the long-term implications for democracy in the region. In El Salvador, many citizens vocally support Bukele's constitutional reforms, viewing them as essential for continued stability and security. Still, some observers question whether the immediate security gains might mask deeper risks to El Salvador's democracy. Bukele defended the decision vigorously on social media, posting on X: '90% of developed countries allow the indefinite re-election of their head of government … and when a small, poor country like El Salvador tries to do the same, suddenly it's the end of democracy.' Damian Merlo, an adviser to Bukele, further reinforced this position, telling CNN: 'The constitutional change reflects the will of the Salvadoran people, who overwhelmingly support continuity in the country's development and progress.' Merlo added, 'Permitting reelection does not guarantee extended terms — President Bukele, and/or anyone running for President will still need to campaign, win votes, and earn the people's trust all over again.' Despite widespread criticism from human rights groups and democracy advocates, Bukele maintains overwhelming popularity amongst Salvadorans, largely due to his aggressive crackdown on street gangs, reducing crime dramatically. CNN previously reported that Bukele's tough security measures have resulted in historically low homicide rates – according to the Salvadoran government – helping to boost his approval ratings consistently above 90%. Bukele appears unbothered by the criticism. In a June speech marking the first year of his second term, he said he 'didn't care' about accusations of authoritarianism. 'I'd rather be called a dictator than see Salvadorans murdered in the streets,' Bukele said to cheers. 'When I check my phone, I'd rather read 'dictator, dictator, dictator' in the headlines than see 'murder, murder, murder.'' Yet, critics like Amnesty International warn of serious risks to democratic foundations, a divide echoed on social media. Martina Navratilova, a former professional tennis player, posted on X: 'And we are next,' echoing broader concerns about democratic erosion in the US. Trump has previously made headlines on the topic of term limits. In 2018, Trump notably praised Chinese President Xi Jinping's removal of term restrictions, stating: 'He's now president for life. … I think it's great. Maybe we'll have to give that a shot someday,' though his comments were largely perceived as rhetorical and drew criticism at the time.
CNN
6 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
US sides with El Salvador on eliminating presidential term limits, prompting democracy debate
South America Donald Trump Federal agenciesFacebookTweetLink Follow The US State Department has voiced rare support for El Salvador's decision to abolish presidential term limits, paving the way for President Nayib Bukele to seek indefinite reelection. Critics argue the controversial move undermines democratic stability. El Salvador's legislature, controlled by Bukele's Nuevas Ideas party, approved the constitutional amendment swiftly in a vote late last week, sparking immediate backlash domestically and internationally. The amendment clears the way for presidents to serve multiple consecutive terms. Now, the US is publicly backing the Central American nation's leadership. 'El Salvador's Legislative Assembly was democratically elected to advance the interests and policies of their constituents,' a State Department spokesperson said in a statement. 'Their decision to make constitutional changes is their own. It is up to them to decide how their country should be governed.' US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have previously praised Bukele's effectiveness in reducing crime and have cited El Salvador as a model for regional security cooperation. Rubio and Bukele established a relationship long before he became Trump's top diplomat. After Rubio visited El Salvador as a senator in 2023, he celebrated Bukele's leadership and crackdown on criminal gangs, calling on him to make El Salvador's democratic institutions strong to attract more foreign investment. When the Trump administration began deporting migrants from the United States to the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador – many of them alleged Venezuelan gang members – Rubio served as a key point person. He traveled to El Salvador early on in his tenure as secretary of state and personally worked with Bukele and senior Salvadoran officials on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, court filings show. Rubio also engaged directly with Bukele to negotiate a complex prisoner swap - 250 Venezuelans deported from the US to El Salvador in exchange for 10 US nationals held in Venezuela. Following the legislature's vote, Salvadoran opposition lawmaker, Marcela Villatoro, warned, 'Democracy has died in El Salvador today,' emphasizing concerns about consolidated power and diminished political participation. Bukele took office in 2019 for a five-year term. In 2021, El Salvador's Supreme Court – composed of judges appointed by Bukele's party-controlled Congress – ruled that immediate reelection was permissible, despite being previously unconstitutional. At the time, the ruling drew sharp criticism from rights groups, opposition leaders and even the US embassy under the Biden administration, marking a stark contrast to the current US position. In August 2024, Bukele told Time Magazine he would not seek a third term in office. International reactions have been cautious, with the European Union stating it 'takes note' of El Salvador's constitutional reforms and emphasizing future cooperation will be guided by 'democratic governance, transparency, respect for the rule of law and human rights,' according to the Europa Press. Juanita Goebertus, Americas director for Human Rights Watch, sharply criticized the move, posting: 'Bukele's party is pushing an express constitutional reform to allow indefinite presidential re-election. They are following the same path as Venezuela. It begins with a leader using his popularity to concentrate power and ends in dictatorship.' The US State Department spokesperson pushed back on that sentiment, stating: 'We reject the comparison of El Salvador's democratically based and constitutionally sound legislative process with illegitimate dictatorial regimes elsewhere in our region.' The US State Department's position represents a significant shift from its historical stance, where it has typically criticized prolonged presidential terms across Latin America, raising concerns among observers about the long-term implications for democracy in the region. In El Salvador, many citizens vocally support Bukele's constitutional reforms, viewing them as essential for continued stability and security. Still, some observers question whether the immediate security gains might mask deeper risks to El Salvador's democracy. Bukele defended the decision vigorously on social media, posting on X: '90% of developed countries allow the indefinite re-election of their head of government … and when a small, poor country like El Salvador tries to do the same, suddenly it's the end of democracy.' Damian Merlo, an adviser to Bukele, further reinforced this position, telling CNN: 'The constitutional change reflects the will of the Salvadoran people, who overwhelmingly support continuity in the country's development and progress.' Merlo added, 'Permitting reelection does not guarantee extended terms — President Bukele, and/or anyone running for President will still need to campaign, win votes, and earn the people's trust all over again.' Despite widespread criticism from human rights groups and democracy advocates, Bukele maintains overwhelming popularity amongst Salvadorans, largely due to his aggressive crackdown on street gangs, reducing crime dramatically. CNN previously reported that Bukele's tough security measures have resulted in historically low homicide rates – according to the Salvadoran government – helping to boost his approval ratings consistently above 90%. Bukele appears unbothered by the criticism. In a June speech marking the first year of his second term, he said he 'didn't care' about accusations of authoritarianism. 'I'd rather be called a dictator than see Salvadorans murdered in the streets,' Bukele said to cheers. 'When I check my phone, I'd rather read 'dictator, dictator, dictator' in the headlines than see 'murder, murder, murder.'' Yet, critics like Amnesty International warn of serious risks to democratic foundations, a divide echoed on social media. Martina Navratilova, a former professional tennis player, posted on X: 'And we are next,' echoing broader concerns about democratic erosion in the US. Trump has previously made headlines on the topic of term limits. In 2018, Trump notably praised Chinese President Xi Jinping's removal of term restrictions, stating: 'He's now president for life. … I think it's great. Maybe we'll have to give that a shot someday,' though his comments were largely perceived as rhetorical and drew criticism at the time.
