On Tuesday, Aug. 13, County Executive Pat Ryan signed into law term limits for county elected officials.
Starting with this fall’s crop of legislators and county officials, legislators can serve no more than six full terms and executives and comptrollers no more than three. (Under state law, term limits are illegal for county clerks, sheriffs, district attorneys or judges.)
Uptown Kingston’s Senate House served as a backdrop for the signing; Ryan was joined by a number of elected officials and other dignitaries.
“In passing and signing this law we are recognizing that we have to constantly reinvigorate our democracy,” said Ryan in a press release. “No elected office should ever belong to an individual — it must always remain in the hands of the people.”
“Term limits protect the people from career politicians who concern themselves only with their next election,” said Legislator Joseph Maloney (D-Saugerties) in a press release. “It also limits the influence of party establishments, political organizations and large donors. Quite frankly, term limits puts the people back on the priority list.”
“It’s a great day for the people of Ulster County,” said Minority Leader Ken Ronk (R-Wallkill) in a press release. “These positions should not be lifetime jobs, and this law encourages turnover in these important elected positions to ensure new and innovative ideas are brought to Ulster County Government. I’ve been fighting for term limits for many years, and I’m grateful that this law has finally passed, and that County Executive Ryan signed it today.” l
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