Subcommittee approves nonbinding term-limits question for November ballot; councilors debate turnout and timing

The Revere Legislative Affairs Subcommittee voted to recommend that the full City Council place a nonbinding advisory question on the November municipal ballot asking voters whether they support establishing term limits for the offices of mayor, at-large city councilor, ward city councilor, at-large school committee member and ward school committee member.

Councilor Kelly, who introduced the motion, framed it as a way for the public to weigh in: "This motion isn't about whether we, as councilors, personally support or oppose term limits. It's about giving the people we serve a chance to have their voices heard on this issue." Several councilors disagreed on timing and representativeness. Councilor Dorina Suaya (recorded in the transcript as raising turnout concerns) argued that the upcoming election includes only council races and will likely have low turnout, producing "a little snapshot" of so-called "super voters." She proposed delaying placement until a mayoral election to ensure broader participation. Councilor Kelly said she believed the question could increase turnout.

Election Commissioner Pietrantonio explained the mechanics for getting the matter on the ballot by petition if the council did not act: petitioners must first gather signatures to ask the council to vote; if the council does not act within 90 days before the election, petitioners may collect signatures equal to 10% of registered voters in Revere (the commissioner estimated about 31,000 registered voters, so roughly 3,100 signatures required) for a direct placement on the ballot. City Solicitor Paul Capizzi and the clerk clarified the subsequent steps for a binding change: a Home Rule petition would require eight council votes and the mayor's approval before going to the state legislature for enactment.

On the roll call the clerk recorded Councilor Greeno Sawaya and Councilor Hass voting no; Councilor Kelly, Councilor McKenna and Chairman Argencio voting yes. The clerk announced the motion had received a favorable recommendation and would be forwarded to the full City Council that evening.