The Mitchell City Council held a lengthy discussion during its meeting Monday evening regarding term limits for Mayor and Council. Councilors were presented with two options.
Roger Musick favors term limits. “We need fresh ideas, we just need new ideas at the council,” said Musick. “You can give the younger people a chance to get involved, and the more they’re involved I think the better the city of Mitchell is.”
He said incumbents have a huge advantage when it comes to elections.
Ward Four Councilor Susan Tjarks strongly disagreed. “You have someone else, who is an extremist, and they’re the only option,” said Tjarks. “So I don’t think this is a good idea.”
The Council rejected one option, which would have started term-limits immediately, counting years already served. It failed 7-1. The second option would not have counted time already served as part of the term limits, passed after Mayor Jordan Hanson broke a 4-4 tie vote. Option two will get a second reading at the next council meeting where it may be amended.