By JEFF MORRIS
The Westchester County Board of Legislators is proposing an amendment to extend legislative terms from two to four years while preserving the existing 12-year term limits. According to a Board of Legislators spokesperson, the change in Westchester County Proposition 2024-1 would align Westchester County with 70 percent of other counties in the state that have already adopted longer terms.
“This amendment is designed to better serve today’s voters by enabling legislators to concentrate on policy rather than politics,” said the spokesperson. “With term limits firmly established, legislators can dedicate themselves to the work they were elected to do, instead of campaigning every other year.”
The benefits of the change are said to be:
Cost savings for taxpayers. The proposal is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden of administering elections, allowing public funds to be redirected to essential services.
Reduced campaigning. A four-year term will enable legislators to spend less time fundraising and campaigning, resulting in fewer campaign mailings, campaign phone calls, and other messaging to residents. This shift will allow legislators to dedicate more time to legislative work and community engagement.
Greater accountability. A single legislative proposal can take several months or even years to develop. Proponents argue a four-year term will enable county legislators to oversee the implementation of their enacted policies. It would also help ensure that county funds secured for a specific project are used in a timely fashion and for their intended purpose, allowing for more thoughtful and impactful legislation.
Advocates also say a four-year term would give legislators the time to develop the expertise required and the expertise needed to address intricate and multifaceted legislative issues.
The proposal is co-sponsored by Benjamin Boykin, Democrat representing White Plains, Scarsdale and West Harrison, and Margaret Cunzio, Conservative representing Mount Pleasant, Sleepy Hollow and Harrison. Cunzio said, “This Proposition to extend Legislative terms from two to four years enjoys bipartisan support — tripartisan if you consider that I am a proud member of the Conservative party. We all believe that this proposal will not only improve the efficiency of our government but will also enhance the quality of representation our constituents deserve. We encourage voters to approve this initiative, which aims to enhance our efforts on the issues that matter most to our community.”
Erika Pierce, who represents Bedford, Lewisboro and Pound Ridge, said, “In a time of division, it is great to share something for which everyone is in agreement.”