We have written many of these words before. And must do so again.
In 1993, it was the clear will of Suffolk County’s voters to impose term limits on the members of the County Legislature. After a vote by those representatives in the County Legislature, the proposition was put on the November ballot to limit the tenure in office of their County Legislators to no more than 12 years.
The referendum vote to impose term limits was overwhelming. The language was “twelve consecutive years,” but voters clearly understood the intent to limit legislators to six two-year terms.
This year, in the Third Legislative District, Democrats convinced former Legislator Kate Browning to her career ahead of the will of the voters. Despite having already served her twelve years, Browning submitted petitions to run again.
Suffolk Republicans sued to enforce the law and invalidate her candidacy. In April, 2021, NYS Supreme Court Acting Justice James Hudson upheld the integrity of the term limit law and agreed that the 1993 law limited Browning to the twelve consecutive years she already served.
Mind you, since Suffolk’s term limits law were put in place, 18 legislators have served their 12 consecutive years and moved on. None tried to cry foul, claim a loophole, or overturn the 1993 referendum. Until this election cycle.
In early May — after nearly three decades of rules which were understood and followed by both sides of the aisle — the rules were ripped apart by the Governor Cuomo’s activist appointees on the bench.
Browning was thus able to run in the May 25 special election but was crushed by Republican James Mazzarella 60%-40%. Still, Mazzarella will face Browning again in the November general election.
Next week, on Tuesday, June 22nd at 6:30 p.m., there will be a public hearing in the Suffolk County Legislature on I.R 1475-2021: “A Charter Law to Set Term Limits for the Offices of County Executive, County Legislator, and County Comptroller at 12 Years in Total.”
As the public notice explains, this law would clarify that these offices are for a total of 12 years in an individual’s lifetime.
Term limits were approved for a reason. By the voters, not lawyers. By the will of the people, not career politicians. Term limits must stand.
We bet the will of the people will again prevail.
That is the message. This is the Messenger.
