Chandler Council debates charter amendment on consecutive terms for mayor and council members

The Chandler City Council is moving forward with a proposed amendment to the city charter that aims to clarify term limits for elected officials. During the meeting on May 22, 2025, council members discussed the implications of the current language, which has led to confusion regarding what constitutes "consecutive" years of service.

The proposed amendment stipulates that an individual who has served 16 consecutive years in the roles of council member and mayor would be ineligible to hold either office again until four years have passed since the end of their last term. However, some council members expressed concerns about the interpretation of "consecutive," particularly in cases where a council member might take a break before running for mayor. This ambiguity could potentially allow individuals to circumvent the intended term limits.

Council member Harris raised questions about whether the proposed language adequately addresses scenarios where a council member takes a break during their service. The city attorney confirmed that the current language does not cover these gaps, which could lead to situations where individuals could run for council after serving as mayor, despite having taken breaks in service.

The council is considering forming a charter review committee to further examine these issues and ensure that the language is clear and effective. Council members emphasized the importance of aligning the charter with historical practices and the term limits observed in other cities, such as Mesa, which has a clearer framework for consecutive terms.

As discussions continue, the council is committed to refining the language to prevent future misunderstandings and uphold the integrity of the electoral process in Chandler. The next steps will involve gathering input from community members and potentially revising the proposed amendment before a final vote.