Des Plaines aldermen uphold term limits

Des Plaines aldermen Monday night decided to uphold the term limits voters approved 10 years ago. Only 7th Ward Alderman Don Smith dissented, saying it made no sense to vote since only voters could reconsider term limits anyway. Aldermen had considered putting the question on the Nov. 4 ballots, but residents have overwhelmingly weighed in against the idea. Aldermen also rejected a proposal to ask voters on Nov. 4 if they want the city clerk position to be bound by term limits. Smith and 6th Ward Alderman Mark Walsten voted in favor of it. The issue has drawn strong feelings and hours of debate in recent weeks, and Monday was no different. "No one is indispensable, and the roof of city hall did not (and) will not collapse," resident Dion Kendrick said. Three aldermen had to leave office last year because they had served two 4-year terms since the limits took effect.