Council debates term limits and potential loopholes in mayoral candidacy rules

The Chandler City Council meeting on May 22, 2025, sparked intense debate over proposed changes to term limits for council members and the mayor. The discussion centered on a new amendment that would allow individuals to serve a total of 16 consecutive years across both roles, but with a mandatory four-year break after completing their terms.

Council members expressed concerns about potential loopholes in the proposed language. Councilmember Orlando highlighted that under the new rules, a council member could serve eight years, take a two-year break, and then run for mayor, potentially leading to a total of 24 years of service within 26 years. This raised questions about the effectiveness of the proposed amendment in truly limiting the tenure of elected officials.

The council's legal advisor confirmed that the amendment was crafted to ensure that anyone serving 16 consecutive years in any combination of the two offices would need to step down for four years before being eligible to run again. However, some council members remained skeptical, questioning whether the language was clear enough to prevent extended service without interruption.

Vice Mayor Fostin also raised procedural concerns, asking for clarity on which council member had sought external legal advice regarding the amendment. The mayor indicated that this information would need to be addressed privately, as it involved privileged communication.

As the council continues to navigate these complex issues, the implications of the proposed amendment could significantly impact the political landscape in Chandler. The council is expected to revisit the discussion in future meetings, as they seek to balance the desire for experienced leadership with the need for fresh perspectives in local governance.