Term limits could be coming for Erie County politicians

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Term limits could be imposed on Erie County politicians.

A new bill introduced by Erie County Democratic Legislator John Bargnesi (Tonawandas, Grand Island) would limit any new officeholders by 2030 to three terms. The bill would cover legislatures, county executive, comptroller, sheriff, clerk and district attorney.

“I did that in Tonawanda; the person I beat in Tonawanda had been there I think for 30 years, but I did it to myself, and technically I’m still doing it to myself,” Bargnesi said. “We need new people and new opportunities. »

There is precedent for local politicians to set a term limit for themselves.

Earlier this year, former Erie County District Attorney John Flynn resigned from his post during his second term, citing his belief in term limits and said he made it clear from his first election in 2016, that he would only serve two terms.

Additionally, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said last year that he would not run again after his fourth term ends, shortly before being re-elected to his fourth term last November . He said he had initially only planned for three terms, but the pandemic and ongoing work on the Bills’ new stadium made him change his mind.

The new bill would also change when county officials are elected, changing elections to even years. Bargnesi said the election year changes are required under a state-passed bill signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul last year. Some elected officials will serve a three-year term as part of this transition.

The bill is expected to be on the agenda for the next meeting of the Erie County Legislature.