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Charter commission weighs 4‑year terms, staggering for Board of Selectmen
Summary
At its May 25 meeting, Simsbury's Charter Revision Commission reviewed research on incumbency and debated whether to change selectmen terms from two years to four, and whether to stagger those terms. Commissioners heard data showing high reelection rates for incumbents and agreed to vote on a recommendation at the next meeting.
The Charter Revision Commission met May 25 in Simsbury to consider changing the term length and timing for members of the Board of Selectmen, reviewing research on incumbency and discussing three options: retain two‑year terms, move to four‑year terms without staggering, or move to four‑year terms with staggering.
Why it matters: the commission said the choice affects continuity, the learning curve for newly elected officials and voter accountability; the change would require charter language and subsequent public review before adoption.
Commissioner Bob (Charter Revision Commission member) presented historical election data and a summary he said shows incumbents who run are re‑elected roughly nine times out of 10. “The bottom line is 91% of the…
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