Council advances charter amendment to allow three terms; action continued one week

The Los Angeles City Council debated a proposed charter amendment on Wednesday that would allow elected officials to serve three terms, but because fewer than the required 12 members were present the council agreed to continue formal finalization for one week.

Council Member Holden introduced the item and asked for guidance from the City Attorney and City Controller, saying he wanted to avoid post-approval objections from other citywide elected officials. A representative of the City Attorney’s Office responded that the language before the council—described as a charter amendment—“would be consistent with the action which you took yesterday” and outlined how the amendment would operate if adopted.

According to the explanation given to the council, partial terms ‘‘would be treated the same as they are now under the charter’’ and would count toward the limit if the partial term was a half-term or longer. The staff representative said the limits would apply retroactively and prospectively, and that terms would not have to be consecutive.

Council members expressed concern about obtaining input from the City Attorney’s Office and City Controller and about potential political repercussions; but when the roll was taken the vote was unanimous among those present. The clerk recorded 11 ayes, and the council agreed the matter must be continued for one week so action can be taken with the full membership present.

The council also noted that, as with other ordinances and resolutions, any charter amendment would go to the mayor for his consideration after council action.