The Clarkstown Taxpayers organization started a petition drive in mid June seeking term limits for town officials. In just about a month’s time, organization members have obtained more than 2,000 signatures at a rate of 400 to 500 a week with the objective of getting 3,000 signatures.
The petition seeks to institute term limits for the town supervisor and four town council positions. It calls for limiting those elected officials to eight consecutive years of service.
“All the people that are signing and, I would estimate that it is 70% of those asked, are saying, ‘thank you for trying to get rid of the career politicians and we should try to get the same Term Limits for Congress’,” said Clarkstown Taxpayers President Guy Gervasi.
The group meets on term limits on August 9th at 7 p.m. at the New City Library. The following day is the last opportunity to submit additional petitions. On August 16, the Clarkstown Taxpayers will present the petitions at the Clarkstown Town Board meeting.
We expect the auditorium will be standing room only,” said Mike Hirsch, founder of Clarkstown Taxpayers.
“Most people are very supportive of our petition drive and sign our petition gladly. We believe that 3,000 signatures translates into close to 5,000 votes, and are hopeful that the people that are running for office this year don't feel so entrenched that they think that they do not need those votes.”
Members will ask the town board to pass a resolution setting term limits. If that does not happen, they will seek to have a referendum added to the ballot on November 8. They have said they want the term limits to apply to the supervisor and council members taking office as of January 1, 2012.
The petition has been distributed through the organization’s web site and by email. All registered voters are eligible to sign regardless of their political party. More information is available at petition@clarkstowntaxpayers.com.
