Romero Pulls Term Limit Proposal

A proposal to introduce term limits for Santa Fe’s city leaders has been nixed by its maker for legal reasons.

City Councilor Rosemary Romero said Monday she’s pulling the proposition because the City Attorney’s Office has determined that term limits are unconstitutional.

Romero said she was “disappointed” with the finding and had been looking forward to a lively debate on the subject.

“At a more localized level, with issues changing as quickly as they do, it seems that a new infusion of energy and thoughtfulness (on the council) is not a bad idea,” Romero said.

The City Attorney’s advice on term limits is based on a state Court of Appeals decision from the mid 1990s. The court ruled that the city of Albuquerque had violated the New Mexico Constitution with a charter amendment that limited city councilors to two terms.

Albuquerque, in trying to impose term limits, exceeded the authority conferred on it by the state constitution, the court said.

Romero does plan, pending a formal go-ahead from the City Attorney’s office, on moving forward with another provision in her ordinance that requires city councilors to vacate their seats if they run for mayor.

“It’s a distraction to the council. You don’t focus your work on the council,” Romero said.