Voting "Yes" on Extending Council Terms Good for County

By Greg Wilson/Publisher, Anderson Observer

One of the most significant issue on the ballot tomorrow in Anderson County is the referendum to extend county council seats to serve staggered, four-year terms. 

It is a good idea, a move which could really benefit Anderson County long-term. 

There are a number of reasons to vote in favor of this change. Under the current two-year set up, a new council member barely has any time to gain a solid understanding of the way things work before it’s time to start running another campaign. Voters should want their elected county council representatives to build good working relationships not only with their fellow council members, but with department heads, key front line workers and with members of the others in the area.

There is virtually no way to do this in a single, two-year term. 

Most other counties in the state seem to understand this, which is why 43 of our 46 counties have four-year terms. It allows an elected council member to concentrate on serving the citizens of Anderson County without being forced to shift attention to running for office after only a year in the position.

Some argue if congressional candidates are limited to two-year terms, why change county council’s terms to four years?

The answer is simple. Congressional candidates, state and national, have staff members - many of whom have served in those positions for years - to help them hit the ground running. They also have substantial numbers of colleagues in their respective offices who have the time and staff to help newcomers settle into office and understand how things run. 

County council members are serving in part-time positions, with a single clerk and no other staff. Many of them work full-time jobs and find it almost impossible to get acclimated to their office quickly. They are expected to learn on the part-time job, as well as stay on top of issues which can shift and change quickly. There are no scores of colleagues who have held office for years to ease them into the job. 

Four-year terms would also all council members to be the stewards of the county’s best interests, instead of being squeezed into becoming proxy votes for their districts on controversial issues. This allows for a long-term strategic planning when looking out for the what is best for the entire county and its citizens.

Finally, four-year terms could have the additional benefit, as it has in other counties in the state, of attracting more candidates who would be interested in serving at least a single four-year term, but are intimidated by the specter of the shorter two-year cycle.

Voting yes on changing the current system to one which better serves Anderson County could be another step toward better government.