Terra Lawson-Remer, a county supervisor, is spearheading an effort to extend term limits for county supervisors, but the ballot language for the measure has drawn criticism for being misleading. The proposal would allow supervisors to serve three terms instead of two, yet the ballot wording suggests the measure "sets" term limits rather than increases them, according to opponents of the measure.
In 2010, county voters approved Measure B, which imposed a two-term limit on county supervisors. That same year, voters re-elected two supervisors who had already served more than a decade in office. Critics have questioned the original rationale for the term limits, noting that voter behavior suggested term limits were not the electorate's primary concern at that time. The original measure came as SEIU-backed candidates pushed Measure B, according to sources cited, because the sitting board at the time was not viewed as labor-friendly.
Opponents of the current extension argue that supervisors now seek to expand their terms to remain in office longer and continue serving their political sponsors. The campaign supporting the measure relies on claims that term limits are necessary and that any limits would apply to other officeholders as well. However, critics contend these arguments are specious and that the effort represents a cynical attempt to keep special-interest candidates in elected office.
One critic, identifying himself as a lifelong Democrat and union supporter, characterized the measure as disingenuous and called for its defeat at the ballot. The same observer urged voters to reject the candidates backing the proposal. Board members involved in the effort have faced calls to explain their positions on extending their own tenure in office.
