(The Center Square) — The term limit discussion continues as two ballot measures address the issue in the upcoming May 3 election for Bossier Parish residents.
The upcoming May ballot has two propositions for voters addressing term limits for Bossier City mayor and Bossier City Council.
Proposition No. 1 amends the charter to state that members of the city council are eligible for reelection, but no person who has been elected for three terms is eligible. This charter amendment states that all terms a person has been elected prior to Jan. 1, 2024, count towards the limitations listed.
Proposition No. 2 also amends the charter but for mayoral term limits. It proposes that while a Mayor shall be elected to serve a four-year term beginning July 1 of the year, no person previously elected as mayor for three terms shall be eligible to be re-elected. All terms before Jan. 1, 2024, will be counted towards this on the amendment.
The Bossier Term Limits Coalition began in 2022 when citizens grew concerned about term limits in the area. The group has continuously submitted petitions attempting to get term limits on the ballot for citizens to vote on.
The Center Square spoke to David Crockett, one of the original founders of the coalition, for comment amid the May 3 election.
“Despite efforts of five city councilmen who violated their charter to keep a lifetime, three-term limit off the ballot, voters will decide for or against this change to Bossier City’s Charter,” Crockett told The Center Square.
Term limits were on the ballot in March, but a different set than voters will see on May 3. The topic has sparked debate amongst the public throughout several city council meetings.
“The term limits passed on March 29 would allow any councilman who skips a term after three consecutive terms to run for another three terms,” said Crockett.
Proposition No. 2 and No. 3 on the March election ballot concerned term limits for the mayor and city council, and both passed with above 50% of the vote. Under these propositions, the mayor and city council members are limited to three terms.
The May 3 ballot measures determine if the term limits are retroactive, prohibiting the active Mayor and council members from holding that position again.
If the propositions pass on May 3, they will override the one passed in March.
