MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis City Council members are discussing a change that would extend the term limits put into place by voters a few years ago.
Right now, council members are limited to two terms, but Councilman Bill Morrison proposed extending that to three.
This would immediately affect six of the 13 council members who are in their second terms.
Morrison told WREG eight years doesn’t allow council members enough time to make an impact. He said council members experience a learning curve in getting to know how the system works and who you need to deal with to make an impact.
He said he learned that firsthand when it took eight years to break ground on the new facilities where Raleigh Springs Mall stood.
“It’s just getting to know constituencies, building bridges with folks who were opposed to you, learning directors, building relationships which makes you an effective legislator. By the time that’s happened, you’re running for reelection,” Morrison said.
Council Chairman Berlin Boyd said he supports the resolution for the same reasons.
But many people at the council meeting Tuesday afternoon said they were opposed to the change.
They said it was self-serving and compromised democracy.
The council will decide next month whether to send this to a referendum vote.