Con: 4-year-terms
First, four year terms would insulate local government from the voter. But local government is close government; it affects your daily life more than what happens on the national level. Roads, public safety, schools and parks are something we deal with every day.
Since local government is closest to the people, it should be the most responsive. And if the board does something the electorate disagrees with, they should be voted out at the earliest opportunity.
That’s exactly what’s happened in every LKN town over the last four elections- every board was “flipped” over a local issue. In 2015 Huntersville incumbents were kicked out over the I-77 toll issue; in 2017 Davidson voted out their town board for breaking a promise on maintaining park lands. And in 2021 Cornelius voters flipped their board for approving high-density development. (Interestingly two of those commissioners who were voted out are running again.) 
Ironically, the current Cornelius board that benefitted from the wave election now seeks to insulate themselves from the same thing happening to them. This should not be allowed to happen.
Second, North Carolina does not have a process for recalling local elected officials. Once candidates are in office we’re stuck with them until the next election. The state’s policy is that the voters’ remedy is at the ballot box. Imagine early in a term a local official commits a grievous error in judgement or law. The only remedy the public has is to vote that person out of office. Can you imagine waiting three-plus years for that chance? The state constitution contemplates frequent elections.
Third, two-year terms are part of the gig. I’m sure elected officials would prefer four-year terms because campaigns are hard. I should know—I ran one during the most contested election in our town’s history.
They require a lot of time, begging for favors and, yes, money. But that’s no excuse for doubling the time when you must do it again. Indeed, every candidate knows—or should know—what they’re getting into when they file. Changing the rules to your benefit after you get in is not only unsavory but also poor governance.
Finally, four year terms are forever. The referendum you’re voting on didn’t happen on a whim. The current town board had to apply to the state legislature to put the referendum on the ballot. It took months of planning and deliberate action. No way a future board, used to cushy four-year terms, would ever take the initiative to revert back to two-year terms. Once we approve this, it’s four-year terms.
Forever.
Let’s not start.
Let’s keep our government responsive. Vote NO on four year terms.
—Naas is the founder of the WidenI77 anti-toll group as well as a former member of the Cornelius Town Board, serving from 2017 to 2019
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No. We need 4 year terms or all that is accomplished is perpetual campaigning. Focus needs to be on the constituents, not the candidates!
Absolutely NO On four year terms !
We need to refresh & be fresh as we move forward.
Good Luck to candidates. Commissioners & Mayor
The same proposal will be voted on in Davidson. Don’t let the voice of the voter’s be muted. Vote “NO” to preserve accountability to voters.
The same proposal will be voted on in Davidson. Don’t let the voice of the voters be muted. Vote “NO” to preserve accountability.
Did any one else think the way the issue was worded on the ballet was a little misleading. Not just a simple 4yr or 2 yr check mark .
I don’t believe that anyone can intelligently argue with the information provided in the article!
Every two years is not perpetual. But getting rid of a bad politician in 2 years would seem perpetual.
If you want to keep your politicians in line, stay at two years.
Kurt nailed it! WE MUST STICK TO 2-YEAR TERMS and ensure the crucial accountability our quality of life depends on. I know this from my experience as a 16-yr Cornelius Commissioner and current Mayor Pro Tem.
It’s way past time to update and change to 4-year staggered terms.
Historically low voter turnout in local Cornelius elections enables special interest groups to have greater control over the outcome of elections.
Flipping and Yo-Yoing commissioners and their agendas every 2 years create a lack of continuity in a town now the size and complexity of Cornelius. There is a steep learning curve to get a new commissioner up to speed that takes time away from town staff performing their primary jobs when on-boarding new commissioners. IF commissioners who were not previously re-elected return as has happened in the past, and is a possibility again this year, with a two-year break, what has been gained by 2-year elections? Too frequent elections require a lot of campaigning for money, placing roadside signs, etc., instead of staying fully engaged in the leadership to best solve town issues. Cornelius might also be blocking qualified candidates who want to provide their expertise, but don’t want to ride the every 2 year spinning wheel.
Cornelius has grown beyond being a small village to being one of the largest towns in North Carolina and needs to join MOST towns our size in North Carolina that NOW have 4-year terms for effective experienced leadership to better prepare Cornelius for the challenging years ahead.
A question for commissioner candidates is: “Are you willing to make hard decisions for the long-term betterment of Cornelius, knowing that in a number of months you might not be re-elected by a special interest group of citizens who are upset, while the majority of citizens don’t vote?”
Cornelius has just achieved having the lowest tax rates in the county, which equals having a low revenue rate to support needed first class services like: Well-maintained, marked, and clean roads with traffic capacity, crosswalks, street side bicycle paths, and parks; as well as fully trained, experienced, staffed public safety services and all other town operations.
So that there is a chance to both change commissioners as well as retain experience in each election to best guide the operations of Cornelius. Please review the results and data then consider voting YES for staggered 4-year commissioner terms.
As a former Commissioner I can say that your speculations are, to put it politely, inaccurate.
“Other towns do it too” has to be about the worst reason to do anything.
well written Kurt. As a former 8 year commissioner in Huntersville, during its heaviest growth period, some of the town board wanted to go to four year terms as well, fortunately the majority said no. The voters need to be able to change their elected officials every two years. if someone is elected and cant get up to speed quickly, they should really reconsider their role as an elected official. If Congress is good with two years, all elected officials should be good with two years.
If people would like to see a larger voter turn out, change the charter and the terms of the boar to coincide with federal elections, by running a one year term.
Will the article by Kurt Naas and the comments re the two-year vs. four-year term be included in the November print edition of Cornelius Today? Wh n will it be on our mailboxes?
Thanks.
Yes, both will be in print as a point-counterpoint. We will deliver the November edition on Nov. 2-3.