[Opinion] By Lyn Snowa. It’s way past time to update and change to 4-year staggered terms.

Historically low voter turnout in local Cornelius elections enables special interest groups to have greater control over the outcome of elections.

Flipping and Yo-Yoing commissioners and their agendas every 2 years creates a lack of continuity in a town now the size and complexity of Cornelius. There is a steep learning curve to get a new commissioner up to speed that takes time away from town staff performing their primary jobs when on-boarding new commissioners. IF commissioners who were not previously re-elected return as has happened in the past, and is a possibility again this year, with a two-year break, what has been gained by 2-year elections?

Too frequent elections require a lot of campaigning for money, placing roadside signs, etc., instead of staying fully engaged in the leadership to best solve town issues. Cornelius might also be blocking qualified candidates who want to provide their expertise, but don’t want to ride the every 2 year spinning wheel.

Cornelius has grown beyond being a small village to being one of the largest towns in North Carolina and needs to join MOST towns our size in North Carolina that NOW have 4-year terms for effective experienced leadership to better prepare Cornelius for the challenging years ahead.

A question for commissioner candidates is: “Are you willing to make hard decisions for the long-term betterment of Cornelius, knowing that in a number of months you might not be re-elected by a special interest group of citizens who are upset, while the majority of citizens don’t vote?”

Cornelius has just achieved having the lowest tax rates in the county, which equals having a low revenue rate to support needed first class services like: Well-maintained, marked, and clean roads with traffic capacity, crosswalks, street side bicycle paths, and parks; as well as fully trained, experienced, staffed public safety services and all other town operations.

So that there is a chance to both change commissioners as well as retain experience in each election to best guide the operations of Cornelius. Please review the results and data then consider voting YES for staggered 4-year commissioner terms.

—Lyn Snowa lives in Robbins Park