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Williamsport council advances term-limits ordinance after extended debate
Summary
On Oct. 2 the Williamsport City Council gave first reading to an ordinance that would create consecutive-term limits for mayor, council and certain elected offices; the measure passed first reading 7-0 and will return for a second reading with solicitor-recommended language to address incumbency.
Williamsport City Council on Oct. 2 voted 7-0 on first reading to consider an ordinance that would impose consecutive-term limits on several elected offices, launching a multiweek discussion about specifics and legal language.
Councilman Kevin Mackey introduced the ordinance, saying it would set term limits for the mayor, council, the city treasurer and the city controller. As presented on first reading the proposal would cap council at three consecutive terms, the mayor at two consecutive terms, and both treasurer and controller at two consecutive terms.
Mackey said he backed the measure as a public-good reform. “I genuinely think term limits are important, and that's why I am trying and suggesting that we pass a form of this ordinance between now and 2 weeks from now,” Mackey said. City Solicitor Austin White urged caution on wording that could unintentionally bar incumbents currently in office from running again; White cited a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision involving Bethlehem from 1986 and recommended adding language to preserve limited re-election rights for sitting officials while still imposing future limits.
Council members debated year limits and practical effects. Some members said they favored wider limits for positions that require institutional knowledge; others said fixed turnover would encourage new candidates to run. Suggestions during discussion included longer limits for part-time positions with technical responsibilities and explicit carve-outs for appointments to fill vacancies.
Council agreed to accept the ordinance on first reading and instructed the solicitor’s office to draft refined language before the second reading. The council president said the item will return for further debate and a second reading at the Oct. 16 meeting.
The action so far is a procedural first reading; no final term-limit ordinance is in effect until the council completes the second reading and any amendments.
