SOMERS, N.Y. The pros and cons of lengthening the town supervisors term from two to four years were discussed Thursday at a public hearing before the Somers Town Board.
A proposal to permanently lengthen the term was made at Julys board meeting. If the board approves, there is still time to put it on the November ballot as a referendum
Resident Mark Koppel said he felt that although the concept is worthy of discussion, calling for a November referendum is premature. I dont think we have enough time to assess this properly. A lot of people are away in August and will be busy getting back to normal in September. Also, I think people will be thinking about all the others, the president, plus a state senator, assemblyman and congressman. Its a lot to think about and this referendum could get lost.
Clifford Wohlberg of Heritage Hills had a different point of view. Nobody Ive spoken to has been unsure about this. Everyone is in favor of a four-year term. It doesnt make sense to force someone to campaign hard and before they can accomplish a lot, they have to campaign again.
Former board member Maureen Devine was strongly opposed. Issues are decided by majority, she said. Right now, voters can change the majority of the board every two years. With this four-year term for the supervisor, it becomes more difficult.
Devine itemized past improvements to the town, such as IBM, Pepsi, Greenbriar, Angle Fly Preserve, and others, all of which were accomplished under a two-year supervisor. Why change a formula that works? she asked.
Devine added that the timing is poor. People are on vacation and to rush this through for a November election is outrageous.
The board decided that a vote would not be taken at once, partly because interim board member Richard Benedict was not at the meeting and partly because the public needed more time to consider the proposal.
In any case, Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy said she would recuse herself from voting on the issue. The public hearing will be kept open until the September 6 meeting of the board.
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