Members of the Lake Forest City Council discussed extending mayoral term limits from four up to six years.
The idea was originally brought up by Ald. Michael Adelman, 4th, during a Council meeting on Sept. 21. Adelman suggested that by the time a mayor becomes sufficiently experienced in the duties of his office, he’s within sight of the end of his term.
During an Oct. 19 City Council meeting, aldermen revisited the topic.
“Is two years what you need to get up to speed?” asked Ald. Michelle Moreno, 4th.
“It does take a while,” said Mayor Donald Schoenheider. “It’s different than being on the council. It also takes a while to build relationships with other mayors, congressmen and state representatives.”
“Now that you are up to speed, how demanding is it?” asked Ald. Tim Newman, 2nd.
“You’re able to manage the communication flow,” Schoenheider said. “You do kind of pick and choose. I could be at something [related to being mayor] every day.”
“How valuable are the connections [to other politicians],” asked Newman.
“More than I knew,” Schoenheider said.
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“This is not directed at Mayor Schoenheider specifically,” said Adelman, adding that, “It’s not just about relationships with [office holders] but the mayor’s relationships internally with our own staff.”
Schoenheider made a point of saying he is a “huge” supporter of term limits.
Extending term limits would require a referendum. In November 2002, a referendum was held on whether to extend mayoral term limits from up to three 1-year terms up to two 2-year terms. Voters approved the referendum by a vote of 7,167 for and 865 against said Kristen Kinsella of the County Clerk’s office.
Aldermen tossed around the idea of forming a committee to consider such a referendum but did not commit to such an action at the Oct. 19 meeting.
The Lake Forest Caucus, which recruits and vets candidates, discussed the idea of extending mayoral term limits but did not come to a consensus, said Eileen Weber, caucus president.
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