Revere City Council subcommittee to review term limit motion for elected officials

Councillor Argenzio: “We have term limits, they’re called voters”

By Barbara Taormina

The City Council’s Legislatives Affairs Subcommittee will review a motion from Council President Marc Silvestri to establish term limits for elected city officials. Silvestri, who last October cosponsored a motion to extend City Council terms from two to four years, is now calling for a cap of five two-year terms for any individual serving as a ward or at-large city councillor or as a school committee member. Mayors would be limited to three terms. The limits would take effect upon their passage, but would not apply to any sitting official who exceeds them.

Silvestri said term limits would level the playing field for new candidates. He said the limits would promote accountability and provide a safeguard against complacency.

Fellow councillors gave the motion a lukewarm reception. While several supported the idea of term limits in theory, they didn’t think they were necessary in Revere.

“We have term limits, they’re called voters,” said Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio, adding that the city shouldn’t limit choices for voters.

Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya said she initially supported term limits in order to make way for fresh voices. But she has since changed her mind because, as a first-term councillor, she’s aware of the time it takes to learn the system. “You risk losing good leaders as they hit their stride,” she said, adding that elections are term limits.

Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto said the idea of term limits has merit and he actually ran on a pro-term limit platform 30 years ago. He changed his mind about the limits because he feels he is continuing to make a difference.

Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley applauded the motion and said she is in full support. Kelley said incumbents dissuade newcomers from throwing their hat in the ring. She suggested a ballot question to gage how Revere voters feel although she echoed Silvestri’s insistence that a majority of the public supports term limits.

Anthony Cutler was the only member of the public to offer an opinion on term limits during the public comment segment of the City Council meeting. “I’m in opposition because it hinders the competitive spirit of politics,” said Cutler.

According to Cutler, political newcomers should have the chance to prove themselves. Cutler also said Revere voters shouldn’t be underestimated. “They are sharp enough to ascertain when an elected official is using a position for nefarious purposes,” he said.

Cutler called for leaving the field open and not depriving the public of quality options.