Longer terms at city hall?

By MARKUS ERMISCH and TOM FLETCHER Black Press Sep 30 2007

Mayor Terry Lake agrees with UBCM resolution Municipal leaders have voted narrowly in favour of extending their term of office from three years to four. The idea, which would require new provincial legislation, was defeated at last year’s Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. It was endorsed Thursday in a close vote, with proponents arguing it would save taxpayers money and provide more stability in civic government. Here in Kamloops, moving to a four-year term would save taxpayers about $120,000 over 12 years, based on the approximate cost of an election ($120,000) and the fact there would be one less election during that period. The extra expense, however, is minor compared to the benefit of extending the term, according to the mayor of Kamloops. “The critical issue is good government, not saving a relatively small amount of money,” Terry Lake said.

Until the day of the vote, Lake had opposed extending municipal terms. He had previously argued that three-year terms keep councillors more in touch with the electorate. But the arguments of rookie councillors during the discussion reminded the mayor of his days as a political neophyte, and he consequently changed his mind. James Coleridge, a veteran of nearly 20 years on White Rock council, said he has been elected to one-year, two-year and three-year terms. The shift to a four-year term that would match that of provincial politicians is inevitable, he said, noting that it has already taken place in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Opposition came mainly from representatives of smaller communities, where pay is lower. Telkwa Mayor Sharon Hartwell said it’s difficult enough to persuade strong candidates to make a three-year commitment to local government. Cariboo Regional District director Mary Glassford predicted there would be more byelections as some people would be unable to complete a four-year mandate. Delegates debated the effect of longer terms on two chronic problems for local elections — low voter turnout and lack of participation by younger people.
Tofino Coun. Mike Tilitzky said even three years is a long time for young people. Kyara Kahakauwila, elected to Metchosin council eight years ago at the age of 21, said reducing the stress of frequent elections would help attract candidates. Grand Forks Coun. Ann Gordon drew a laugh from delegates when she suggested four years would work better because that’s how long it takes to get funding commitments out of senior governments.

After being elected for the first time, Lake said it takes “a good while to understand the system, understand the issues, the difficult points, get to know the staff. “Once you really feel like you’ve got your feet under you, all of a sudden everyone is talking about the next election.” Longer terms, he said, allow councillors more time to implement their plans. From the UBCM, the resolution to extend council terms will make its way to the Ministry of Community Services for further scrutiny. The ministry will also have to decide, should longer terms be implemented, whether to extend an existing term or to start longer terms after an election. At the earliest, longer terms could be introduced in the 2011 election, Lake said.