(BW) SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, CA – On July 17, 2012 the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors decided in a 4-1 vote to place a measure on November’s ballot to increase Board of Supervisors term limits to three terms in a lifetime.
Currently, following the 1998 Measure A initiative approved by voters limits San Joaquin County Supervisors to serving two four-year terms. The board is uncertain if the limits are lifetime or consecutive and the 1998 measure would need legal analysis to prove one way or another.
The proposed initiative, if passed, will add additional term of 4 years —granting an opportunity to board members to serve a total of 12 years —and it would clearly define the terms to lifetime limits. Additionally, the measure extends to include the San Joaquin County Board of Education as Measure A currently does.
In order for this to happen, the Board of Supervisors will have to create a Resolution with the ordinance attached that would allow the people to vote on it and adopt it.
If voters approve the extension, the measure would add the additional, third, term of four years.
According to council, there are 58 counties in the state of California, the majority of counties have unlimited terms while 10 include term limits. Five counties have two 4-year limits (including San Joaquin County) and five have three year limits.
In the July 17th meeting, Supervisor Larry Ruhstaller read a note from November 14, 1996 from former Board of Supervisors Chairman Simans, who recommended a three consecutive terms. Ruhstaller added, “it takes a while to understand State and Federal government, the kind of policies and laws whether it be HSA, FEMA, Flood Control, water issues, Air Control, – I think that was an interesting piece of information.”
Yet, Siman’s was defeated in a petition by Dean Andal that preferred two four-year term limits.
Only one current Supervisor, Larry Ornellas made it clear that he will not vote for the initiative. “I just want to let the public know number one I’m not going to vote for this… And number two I’m not a part of this scheme…”
Chairman Steve Bestolarides objected to the term “scheme”, stating that he has made a point to do everything out in public.
“It’s about what is best for this county,” said Supervisor Carlos Villapudua, who supports the proposal of the initiative.
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