Community Corner

Sound Off: Should Suffolk Legislators Face Term Limits?

Is it fair to boot legislators after 12 years?

Members of the Suffolk County Legislature are able to serve six two-year terms before they are ineligible to run against based on a referendum voters passed in 1993.

In the 8th Legislative District, which includes Sayville, Bayport and Holbrook, Presiding Officer Bill Lindsay, a Democrat, just his sixth and final term. Up a bit north, popular Democratic Legis. Jon Cooper could not run again this year as he's wrapping up his sixth term.

Cooper told the Shelter Island Reporter in June that he was "conflicted" on term-limits and believed they may be more effective if placed on those serving in the State Legislature. 

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“I have real mixed emotions," Cooper told the Reporter. "Philosophically, I’m for term limits, but maybe for county legislators they should be 16 years, not 12. Twelve flew by so fast.”

There are no term limits for Nassau County legislators.

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What's your take? Should Suffolk County legislators face term limits? Should they be extended more than 12 years? Vote in the poll below and share your thoughts in the comments section.


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