A discussion on whether to extend term limits for Montezuma County commissioners will be held Tuesday during the commissioners regular meeting.
Currently, commissioners are limited to two consecutive, four-year terms. They are considering a 2019 November ballot measure to extend the limit to three, four-year terms.
Commissioners must still run for re-election at the end of each four-year term.
The public is invited to comment on the idea of extending term limits during public comment period at 9 a.m. or during the afternoon public comment session at the end of the meeting.
Residents who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments to spowers@co.montezuma.co.us, using the subject line “term limits.”
Commissioners Larry Don Suckla and Keenan Ertel currently are serving their second terms, which end in 2020. Commissioner Jim Candelaria was elected in 2018 and is serving his first term.
Suckla said he would run for a third term if voters extended the term limits.
“I feel like I can do more for the public, and I want to continue to propel our projects forward such as the Paths to Mesa Verde and the convention center,” he said.
In 1994, Colorado voters approved a constitutional amendment that set term limits for all elected offices in the state. The amendment allows local governments to place term-limit exemption or modification questions on local ballots.
Statewide, nine counties have three terms, 31 counties have two terms, and 24 counties have no term limits.
Other term limits for Montezuma County officials are: Three four-year terms for assessor, clerk, treasurer and sheriff; two four-year terms for county commissioner and two four-year terms for district attorney.
If the commissioners decide to move forward with the ballot question, they have until July 26 to notify the Montezuma Clerk and Recorder they plan to participate in the 2019 November election. The ballot question must be submitted by Sept. 6.
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