SECTION 1. TERM.

(a) Elected Limit. The Mayor shall be elected at the regular municipal election in the year 1961, and every second year thereafter, for a limit of three (3), two (2) year terms.

(b) Successor Limit. In the event the office of Mayor is vacant, his successor is limited to complete said unfinished term with an additional two (2), two (2) year terms.

(c) Term Begins. His term shall commence and he shall assume office on the first day of January following his election and shall serve out his term or until his successor is elected and qualified, whichever occurs last.   

TERM LIMITS FOR ROCKY RIVER MAYOR

I want (1) a 'level political playing field' (2) to inspire 'new citizen candidates' not career politicians to 'run for and attain' the Office of Mayor of Rocky River.  (3) I also want to reform Rocky River city government - to better serve residents and to move our city forward.

'Keep the Tradition' needs to get out of the way!  -  Term Limits for Rocky River mayor is my solution.

HOW?

I propose to ‘limit the term of mayor’ with three (3), two (2) year terms.   Also, if the mayor cannot finish his term – I want his successor limited to complete only said unfinished term with just an additional two (2), two (2) year terms – all this, in a Rocky River Charter Addition. (click here and see proposal)

Presently the Rocky River mayor and or his replacement are allowed unlimited two (2) year terms. 

·      People may say ‘term limits’ are unfair for mayor.  Yet the President of the United States and the Governor of Ohio are 'term limited'. 

·      ‘Term Limits’ for the mayor of Rocky River - is the way an ‘everyday citizen’ can ‘run for and become’ mayor of Rocky River - and better Rocky River.

·       You can decide.  I already decided.  I want Term Limits for Rocky River mayor.  

WHY?

1.    I want a ‘level political playing field’ for all future Rocky River candidates.  So any candidate can run for and attain the office of mayor of Rocky River.

·      ‘Term Limits’ will ‘reset’ the Rocky River political process so ‘any citizen’ can run for and attain the office of mayor.  "Term Limits” will force out incumbents too politically powerful.  “Term Limits” guarantees that there will be vacancies every six (6) years with no entrenched opponent to face.  "Term Limits” takes ‘entrenchment’ out of city hall.

2. Inspire and make room for newcomers, both ‘skilled in management and everyday citizens’.  Encourage our fellow citizens to politically participate in ‘running for and becoming’ mayor. 

·         ‘Term Limits’ says to residents, “We Need and Want You To Run For And Become Mayor Of Rocky River!”  “Term Limits” guarantees a greater crop of ‘citizen candidates’ who are not linked to special interests and who will be able to connect with the feelings and needs of the ‘everyday citizen’.   These new candidates will also be individualists who are rugged, brave and who are willing to speak up - and deal with tough Rocky River Issues. 

·      These new candidates could address the current Rocky River Issues: (1) Tax Cuts and Citizen Control of Rocky River, (2) A ‘muzzled’ Lakewood Dog Park, (3) Limited Rocky River city government and spending, (4) Commuter Rail Transportation for and through Rocky River, (5)Total Financial Accountability by Rocky River city government.  Just to name a few.

3.    A fresh Rocky River city government will serve the public and businesses in many new ways.  All this through ‘term limits’ constant change of the mayor.  It's time for 'Keep The Tradition' to get out of the way!

·      ‘Term Limits’ will make Rocky River city government new – through the influx of fresh and exciting mayors, moving Rocky River, its citizens and its businesses forward.  The way the mayor goes so goes the city.  That is why any Rocky River Mayor that supports the tired, go nowhere and sad notion of 'keep the tradition' in Rocky River city government will eventually be removed by 'term limits'.

·      Imagine a Rocky River mayor brought in through term limits?   That is new and exciting, who instills his refreshing enthusiasm into the way Rocky River city government also with enthusiasm, serves the city, businesses and residents? 

·      Residents will be surprised by 'his newly led' Rocky River city government.  Rocky River city government will:  (1) Hold Town Hall Meetings throughout Rocky River.  (2) City Officials will ask citizens what Rocky River city government can do for residents.  Then do it.  (3) There will be ‘guaranteed jobs’ for Rocky River residents. (4) The 'Decision Making and Money' will be shifted out of city hall - to the control of Rocky River's separate Wards, their Residents and their Ward City Council Members for what they feel are necessary ‘capital improvements’ for their particular Ward. (5) Tougher Campaign and Ethics reform will be established for Rocky River city government officials and candidates for Rocky River city government elected office.  I can’t wait.

In closing, ‘term limits’ for Rocky River mayor will bring (1) ‘level playing field’ elections, (2) inspiration for new and exciting candidates for mayor and (3) a ‘renewed’ Rocky River city government that will be of, by and for the people.

My 'Final Thoughts' on Rocky River Term Limits for Mayor!

'Unlimited Rocky River Mayor Terms' and 'Keep the Tradition' is for people - Stuck in Yesterday.  They will never advance Rocky River.

'Term Limits for Rocky River Mayor' and 'Reform of Rocky River City Government' is for people - Who Sees Our City's Future Benefiting Residents.  The future of Rocky River is theirs!