Guest Opinion | Jess Rivas: Yes on Measure PC for Term Limits

There have never been term limits for Pasadena mayors and councilmembers, but you have the power to adopt this common-sense practice for our city by voting YES on Measure PC.

Developed by an independent task force of residents like you, Measure PC’s proposed limits—up to three terms consecutively and no more than five terms in a lifetime—strike a thoughtful balance between developing experienced leaders and encouraging more residents to participate in public service.

First, term limits will help inject fresh ideas and perspectives into local government.

Long-term service can lead to stagnation. Reasonable term limits will create more opportunities for new leaders to bring forward new ideas and approaches to address our city’s most pressing issues.

This will promote more effective governance that is responsive to the changing needs of our city.

Second, term limits can also promote diversity on the council. We live in a city that is incredibly rich in its diversity and while we should be proud that we have improved representation over the years, we can do better. Women in particular have been underrepresented on the council throughout our history. Our city is also majority renter, yet there isn’t a single renter on the council. With term limits, there will be more races for open seats, creating more opportunities for new leaders from underrepresented communities.

Finally, term limits will address the very real power of incumbency, which helps keep current officeholders in office regardless of their performance. Incumbents have the benefit of name recognition, seemingly default endorsements from powerful organizations that are unwilling to cross incumbents, and fundraising from those same organizations and others. The forces of incumbency are so strong that here in Pasadena, only one councilmember has been unseated by a challenger in 37 years.

This measure strikes an appropriate balance between ensuring stability and allowing opportunities for new and diverse voices to be a part of our city’s leadership.

Vote YES on Measure PC to promote a more dynamic, representative, and effective local government for our great city.

Jess Rivas represents District 5 on the Pasadena City Council.