OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla.,None — A group of Osceola County residents has asked for big changes in how the county is run.
Members of the Osceola County Taxpayer and Business Association told the Charter Review Committee that they want to set term limits on county commissioners.
In Osceola County, commissioners can run for office every four years for as long as they want.
But if you step into St. Cloud or the city of Kissimmee, there are term limits in place. Critics say it’s time the county sets those limits, too.
“When you run for public office it is a public service, not a lifetime job,” said Osceola County resident Mark Cross.
Cross and other members of the Osceola County Taxpayer and Business Association are on a mission to create term limits for commissioners. They want two terms, eight years and then the boot.
“I'd like to see new blood get in, fresh ideas. It encourages growth,” said resident Mark Rosenbauer.
The group wants the issue on next year’s ballot. WFTV emailed each commissioner about the idea.
Fred Hawkins and Frank Attkinson say they support letting citizens decide.
Brandon Arrington feels term limits already exist since commissioners have to run for office every four years.
Commissioner John Quinones said he's not sure if he would vote to put the issue on the ballot.
“There is something to be said about continuity of service, continuity of projects,” he said.
Each county commissioner makes close to $72,000 a year in a county where the median income is about $30,000.
The group says term limits will also help ensure candidates run for the service, not the salary.
The subject will be discussed at the next county commission meeting.
There is currently no limit on how many times a commissioner can run for office.
WFTV
