AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va -- At a recent meeting, Supervisor David Beyeler told his colleagues that long running politicians have too much power. He wants to see a three term limit in the future.
Some other supervisors think that is a good idea.
“Amassing too much power behind one person is a bad thing,” said David Karaffa, the Beverley Manor Supervisor. “I think that representative government means that you have many different types of people serving in that seat as a representative over a period of time.”
Term limits can allow for the spread of ideas. If a supervisor has the position for 20 or 30 years, that means their viewpoint on issues may not waver for the same amount of time.
That argument does not have traction with other supervisors. Because of the type of area it is, they feel having a familiar face for the long run is beneficial for voters.
“I think we're held accountable,” said Marshall Pattie, the North River Supervisor. “Every single day I see someone that voted for me or is in my district. I run into them at church, I run into them at the grocery store and I have to answer those questions right away.”
Some believe rather than set a limit, a supervisor's actions should dictate how long they get to serve.
Right now, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors is not addressing the issue of term limits. They are more focused on the public hearing about staggered terms set for Sept 26.
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