Councillor Giovanni Recupero introduced an order Monday evening that would effectively establish term limits for members of appointed boards and commissions throughout the city. Such a measure likely would have been defeated in previous years, but the reconstituted Council demonstrated a different perspective. The order advanced to a Committee on Conference following a 7-4 vote Monday night.
The proposal would require the Council to adopt a policy preventing the re-appointment of any Board or Commission member who has already completed two consecutive terms. This restriction would apply only when alternative candidates from Chelsea are available to fill the position. Should no other qualified residents volunteer to serve, the re-appointment could proceed.
“I’m not for anyone serving over and over and over,” said Recupero. “They need fresh ideas. Some of these people on the boards have been there 20 years. Nothing changes with that. It’s all just the status quo. I’m even for term limits on the Council. I don’t think anyone should serve more than 10 years. It should be 10 years and then you’re out. Same for the Boards and Commissions.”
Opposition to Recupero’s order came from Councillors Roy Avellaneda, Leo Robinson, Yamir Rodriguez and Calvin Brown, who cast votes against the measure. Seven councillors voted in favor of the proposal.
The debate reflects an ongoing discussion that emerged last year when Councillor Roy Avellaneda sought to block the re-appointment of License Commission member Ken Umemba. That controversy prompted Councillors Vidot and Enio Lopez to present an order in the fall addressing the need for greater diversity on the City’s boards.
Subsequently, Vidot discovered a Charter provision revealing that the City had failed to advertise open board positions in the newspaper due to an administrative lapse. Quarterly advertisements have since begun. Vidot noted that the matter now moves forward to a Committee on Conference.