Public speakers back term limits as council introduces charter amendments

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and council heard public comment and the introduction of several charter amendment bills on March 2, 2026.

Two members of the public urged the council to adopt term limits and staggered elections. "I am here once again to speak in favor of term limits and staggered elections," said Emily, who told council she supports changes that would renew civic leadership and bring new ideas. Derek Ziolkowski, who identified himself as an employee at the State Broadband Office and a Charleston resident, told the council, "Term limits are a reminder to the people of Charleston that first and foremost, this is their city," and urged members to consider the proposals as a means of encouraging participation and fresh leadership.

The clerk then read a package of newly introduced bills. Council member Shannon Snodgrass introduced Bill 8070, a proposed charter amendment establishing term limits for members of the city council, and companion bills 8071–8073 to add term-limit language for the municipal judge, the treasurer and the mayor. Snodgrass told colleagues the council-limit proposal would "start 2030" and apply as "3 consecutive 4-year terms," which she summarized as a 12-year maximum for consecutive service.

Snodgrass said the bills are intended to be straightforward and to move through committee review; she asked colleagues to consider the content rather than personal motives. The clerk referred the measures to ordinance and rules (and other committees as appropriate) for further consideration. Councilmembers asked procedural questions about timing and applicability to candidates who have already filed; Snodgrass said the measure would take effect in 2030 and would not remove current candidates' eligibility to run under the proposed timeline.

No final action on the charter amendments was taken at the meeting; the bills were referred to committee for study and possible amendment.

Why it matters: Term-limit changes would alter election timing and office-holding expectations in Charleston and could reshape the council's makeup if adopted. The committee process will determine the bills' final form and whether they will reach a council floor vote.

Next steps: Bills 8070–8073 have been referred to ordinance and rules and related committees for review and potential refinement before any council vote.