Photo by Jason Benavides

Nov. 7. Voters in Cornelius will decide today if term limits for mayor and commissioners, should be expanded to a staggered four-year format or remain at the current two years.

The issue arose early in 2023 when some members of the town board questioned whether the longer terms are more advantageous. Ultimately, they decided to let the voters make the decision.

Although a pre-election poll by Cornelius Today showed strong support among town officials for keeping the two year limit, there are significant advantages for each.

For

In an op-ed piece published by Cornelius Today, Robbins Park resident Lin Snowa said “flipping commissioners and agendas every two years creates a lack of continuity in a town with 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 job when on-boarding new commissioners.”

Against

Former Town Commissioner Kurt Naas wrote in favor of the current two-year limit. “Four-year terms would insulate local government; there is no process for recalling local elected officials, so once they are in office we’re stuck with them for four years. Finally, four-year terms would be forever. No way a future board would revert back to two years.”

Polls close at 7:30 pm this evening and Cornelius Today will provide results online tonight.