Word is out. . .

There is now talk of boosting the alderperson term of office from 2 years to 3 years.  This was mentioned at a recent Common Council meeting, and the Council has postponed discussion and decision on this until after the Spring Election.  The wording of the alderperson who presented this suggests it would be less hassle than running for office every other year. 

Both members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Wisconsin State Assembly have 2-year terms, which keeps them accountable to the citizens.  To change either of these terms of office would require an amendment to the U.S. Constitution or the Wisconsin Constitution, which is a formidable effort.

To the best of my knowledge, changing an alderperson term of office would take much less effort.  A vote by the Common Council alone would be sufficient.

My Position. . .

I am totally opposed to changing the alderperson term of office from 2 to 3 years.  The present 2-year term keeps our local government best accountable and should remain in place.

What I would like to see. . .

Before any vote on changing the alderperson term of office, there needs to be public hearings on this matter with ample opportunity for citizen input.  Even after that input is received, I call upon the city to hold a well-publicized citizen referendum to actually decide the matter, instead of leaving the decision in the hands of the Common Council alone.

And now a pay raise, too?

From what I understand, there has not been a change in alderperson compensation in at least 10 years, maybe more.  The office of Alderperson has long been and still is a part-time position.

My Position. . .

I am totally opposed to any Common Council vote which increases the pay of the alderperson, regardless of how long the present compensation has been in place.

What I would like to see. . .

Before any vote on a pay increase for alderpersons, there needs to be public hearings on this matter with a thorough examination of the typical time demands on an alderperson of a like-sized city and an in-depth analysis of appropriate compensation.  Once completed, the analysis needs to clearly identify the amount of the proposed increase and HOW THE INCREASE WILL BE FUNDED.  After the city has provided ample opportunity for citizen input, I call upon the city to hold a well-publicized citizen referendum to actually decide the matter, instead of leaving the decision in the hands of the Common Council alone.

To be clear, a single referendum deciding both matters separately should be held.