SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Major changes could be coming to local elections in Onondaga County after the county legislature approved a proposal to establish term limits for the county executive.
If enacted by voters, the measure would limit future county executives to three four-year terms beginning in 2030. Current terms served by County Executive Ryan McMahon would not count toward the limit.
Legislative Majority Leader Nodesia Hernandez said the proposal is driven by public support rather than politics.
“Right now there is a poll out by Syracuse.com. It’s at 89% in favor of term limits, so my goal is to be the voice of the constituents,” Hernandez said.
Supporters argue term limits help ensure new leadership and fresh ideas in county government.
“There are indoctrinated legislatures at every level of government that are so empowered and entrenched that they may lose touch with the district,” Legislator Chad Ryan said.
Not all lawmakers supported the proposal in its current form.
“I support term limits for the county executive and the comptroller. I presented this as a package, and I’m sad that this only includes the county executive,” Legislator Ken Bush said.
One resident also voiced concerns during the public comment period.
“Given the significance of these proposed changes to our county government, I respectfully request that the discussion on these changes be postponed to allow time for review by the whole legislature,” Syracuse resident Christine Varga told lawmakers.
McMahon is the fourth person to serve as Onondaga County executive since the office was created in 1960. The first two county executives served 25 and 20 years, respectively.
When asked for comment, McMahon’s office referred NCC News to a statement that read in part:
“Legislative proposals with the potential to fundamentally reshape local government and elections should not be rushed forward quietly, without meaningful public engagement, or thoughtful discussion… The County Executive is taking the time to do what should have happened before these proposals were advanced… The County Executive will have no further comment at this time.”
McMahon must still sign the measure before it can be placed before voters in November. If he vetoes the proposal, it would return to the county legislature, where a two-thirds majority vote would be required to override the veto and place the measure on the ballot this year.
VIDEO transcript: Onondaga County Legislature approves term limits proposal for county executive
Antonio Dunston: Elections have been a major talking point across the country for years.
Joseph Duffey: NCC news reporter Adam Crooks is live at Onondaga county courthouse with more on how a legislative vote could impact Onondaga county.
Adam Crook: Major changes are coming to local elections in Onondaga County, thanks to a new law putting term limits on the county executive office. The law, if enacted, will place a three-year term limit on the county executive office starting in 2030. Ryan McMahon’s current terms would not count towards the limit. Legislator Chad Ryan says term limits are important to keep ideas fresh.
Chad Ryan: There are indoctrinated legislatures at every level of our government, that are so empowered and entrenched that they may lose touch with the district.”
Crooks: But Legislator Ken Bush had some contentions
Ken Bush: I support term limits for the county executive and the comptroller. I presented this as a package. and I’m sad that this only includes the county executive.
Crooks: He was not the only one who took issues with the law, as Syracuse resident Christine Varga told the legislature:
Christine Varga: Given the significance to these proposed changes to our county government, I respectfully request that the discussion on these changes be postponed to allow time for review by the whole legislature.”
Crooks: McMahon is the fourth county executive since 1960 the first two served for 25 and 20 years respectively. We reached out to his office comment and was directed to a press release saying in part: The county executive is taking the time to do what should have happened before these proposals were advanced. The county executive will have no further comment at this time.McMahon will still have to sign the law before it can go to the voters in November. If he vetos it, then it will go back to the county legislature, where it must pass by a two-thirds majority in order to be on the ballot this year.