New Bedford City Council President Joseph Lopes feels the voters should have a say when it comes to longer mayoral terms. Mayor Jon Mitchell is proposing a change to the City's charter that would allow for four-year terms for the next mayor.

Lopes says he'll opt for a homerule petition, that would require a nod from 15% of registered New Bedford voters in order for the proposal to move forward.

On top of that, Lopes would only want the first mayoral term to extend to four years, with subsequent terms remaining at two-year stints.

Lopes says the two-year terms would follow suit with City Council terms, keeping an even keel on the checks and balances approach to government.

The Council will discuss the Mayor's proposal at the next regular Council meeting on August 21.

 

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