MIAMI – Chairwoman Christine King and Vice Chair Joe Carollo were the two Miami commissioners opposed to Damian Pardo’s idea of allowing voters to weigh-in on ballot language in November.
It’s a charter amendment to establish lifetime term limits, a max of two terms as commissioner and two terms as mayor, with an exception: if elected to fill a vacancy - such as Commissioner Ralph Rosado winning a special election to replace the late Manolo Reyes – as opposed to appointed.
“We wanted to make running a good thing and give an incentive and make appointing not such a good thing, so if you are appointed, you actually lose part of your term,” said Pardo. “The concept is all about equity, fairness and democracy.”
Several speakers during public comment supported the resolution, including Miami resident Rick Madan.
“Term limits always bring fresh ideas,” he said. “There are so many good people in Miami who would like to participate, but running against an incumbent in low voter turnout elections is not going to happen, so term limits need to be instituted.”
Said Carollo: “So-called lobbyists, they don’t have term limits, so they are going to be the ones who are here, year after year after year.”
“Well if anything, when term limits come, lobbyists lose engagement and power because now they have a new elected, so those existing relationships don’t continue,” replied Pardo.
Added King: “What if the voters want to bring someone back? That’s their choice.”
Pardo Replied: “What voters will be deciding is that they are agreeing with the majority of this commission, that we should limit power and provide more opportunity for those who want to serve.”
Ultimately, King lost a motion attempt to defer the item.
Also on November’s ballot will be a question about establishing a redistricting committee.
That charter amendment question stems from a settlement reached in the redistricting litigation when the city of Miami was accused of racial gerrymandering.
ON THE BALLOT
Title: Charter Amendment to Establish Lifetime Term Limits for Elected Officials with a Retroactive Effective Date
Ballot Summary: Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that no person who has been elected or appointed two (2) times, excluding times when elected to fill a vacancy, to the office of Mayor or Commissioner shall be eligible for reelection to that office during their lifetime, that the term limits shall be measured retroactively from each elected official’s first election or appointment, and that this amendment shall become effective immediately?
Title: Proposed Charter Amendment to Establish a Citizens’ Redistricting Committee
Ballot summary:
• Amends the Charter to provide that City Commission districts may not be drawn with the intent to favor or disfavor a candidate or incumbent.
• Establishes a Citizens’ Redistricting Committee to draw districts after each census and when required by law.
• Provides process for the Redistricting Committee to propose redistricting plans to the City Commission for final action.
• Sets Redistricting Committee members’ qualifications, duties, term of office, and process for appointment and removal.