Citizens submit signatures to qualify two'term limit for Laguna Beach ballot, mayor says

A group turned in several thousand signatures to the Laguna Beach City Clerk seeking to place a measure on the ballot that would limit City Council members to two consecutive terms, Mayor Alex Renaghi said.

Renaghi said the signatures will go through the city'led verification process and the county registrar of voters will also check they match registered voters. He said his understanding is proponents aimed for the June primary but that, if the signatures qualify, the council could elect to pay to place the item on a different ballot date.

"If it is true that they got the requisite amount of signatures, then the item will come to the city council," Renaghi said. He added that, under state rules, a newly imposed consecutive'term limit would not apply retroactively and would take effect only going forward.

Renaghi praised the proponents for following the process and said Laguna Beach voters have demonstrated a willingness to challenge incumbents; he noted that in recent election cycles incumbents have been defeated. He also said the council includes three first'term members and that the pool of potential candidates in a small city can be limited by the sacrifices required for public service.

Renaghi did not state how many valid signatures had been submitted or provide a timetable for final verification.

The transcript contains no formal council action on the petition beyond the mayor's description of the verification process.