Downey council decides against trying to change term limits

DOWNEY — The Downey City Council will not pursue longer term limits, which restrict Downey council members from serving longer than two terms.

Councilwoman Claudia M. Frometa, who requested the discussion, said Tuesday that she did not plan to run for a third term if allowed.

However, she argued that adding a third term would allow for “long-term strategic planning.”

“Yes, a lot can be done in one term. We had council members, such in the case of our former mayor Rick Rodriguez, he only served one term and he was a very effective councilmember. We’ve had other individuals that do serve one term, perhaps two,” said Frometa.

“But in the case of our city, as we continue to look at this strategic planning - where is this city headed in the next 10, 15, 20 years – we not only want individuals that have a proven track record of leadership in this city, that are invested in this community that are not looking at this seat as a springboard to another office, and that truly understand what it takes to carry policy.”

She added that it also “takes a little time in these seats” in order to make it to region-wide executive boards and be “effective in our region.”

Councilwoman Dorothy Pemberton, however, said “in eight years we can do good work.”

“I feel that eight years as a public servant, if you’re on the ground, boots on the ground, you’re walking, you’re involved, and that’s what we should be, not just coming along and being in photo-ops,” said Pemberton.

Mayor Pro Tem Hector Sosa worried about the city becoming stuck with “the wrong people in office.”

“With the power of incumbency, we could be stuck with just bad judgment,” said Sosa.

Councilman Horacio Ortiz said it was “too fast, too soon” to decide on changing the term limits.