L.A. Council to Put Own Term-Limit Plan on Ballot

Even as some of them decried term limits as unfair, Los Angeles City Council members moved Wednesday to put a second term-limit initiative on the ballot next April that they said would restrict their terms more equitably.

The difference between the council’s measure and the one being advocated by mayoral candidate Richard Riordan is how many more years current council members would be allowed to serve.

Half the council members are up for reelection next year, and both initiatives would allow them--along with the mayor, city attorney and controller--two more four-year terms. But those council members who were elected last year and face reelection in 1995 would be allowed one final term under Riordan’s proposal and two more terms under the council’s plan.

“This is more equitable and doesn’t penalize current officeholders,” said Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who introduced the alternative measure and is one of those who would benefit if it is approved.

Ridley-Thomas, who represents the 8th District in South Los Angeles, said he would not have enough to finish all the projects he has planned for his district in the roughly six more years of eligibility he would have if Riordan’s initiative passes.

“My objective is not to stay in this job forever,” he said. “You’re not necessarily looking at someone who is a long-term councilman.”

But Riordan accused council members of trying to extend their terms as long as they can, now that they know that 305,000 residents have signed a petition in favor of limits. The signatures are being verified by the city clerk.

“People are fed up, and they are going to support term limits,” Riordan said. “Either one of the measures will bring that about. I think people are going to support mine because the sooner they get out, the better.”

Ridley-Thomas said he understands voters’ frustration and plans to urge his constituents to support the term-limit proposal that treats sitting council members most fairly. But other council members who voted for Ridley-Thomas’ alternative said they oppose term limits and would campaign against any such restrictions.

“There is a term limit in place now--it’s one term,” said Councilman Hal Bernson. “Every four years voters get a chance to say whether they want you or not.”

Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky said the council’s plan to alter the City Charter “corrects an inequity” in Riordan’s initiative. Yet he said he opposes forced limits on elected officials’ terms and will speak out against both of them.

Earlier in the week, the council voted down a term-limit proposal by Councilman Michael Woo that also called for City Charter reforms to give the mayor and council greater control over city department heads and top bureaucrats. Woo had argued that restrictions were needed on the “unseen” government made up of City Hall bureaucrats.