Lakemoor voters could weigh in on term limit proposal

Lakemoor officials will decide this week whether to ask voters if they want term limits preventing local politicians from becoming what proponents call “career politicians.”

Lakemoor Village President Todd Weihofen said trustees will decide Thursday whether to put a referendum on the spring ballot that would limit members of the board and the village president to three consecutive, four-year terms, or 12 years altogether.

“Right now, it seems a lot of people believe terms should be limited,” he said. “I think it's a great idea to let the residents decide if someone should serve longer than three terms.” He said putting limits on terms would stop “career politicians” from serving at the local level. However, he acknowledged that a town the size of Lakemoor with a population of only about 5,000 could find it difficult to find enough people who want to serve.

“The idea is to let people serve their communities, then move on (and) let someone else have a chance,” Weihofen said. “It could also, hopefully, entice more people to serve.”

Having a constant roll over, he added, allows a constant influx of new ideas.

“You are elected to serve a purpose, and you should be able to complete that purpose in 12 years,” he said. “If you believe you want to make a positive impact in the community after serving the three terms, there are other ways to serve. There are school boards and county boards and other elected positions available.”

If approved by the board Thursday, Lakemoor residents would vote on the issue April 5.

“I think its something the state should also look into adopting,” Weihofen added. “By allowing career politicians to serve, all we do is get further and further away from where we need to be,”