Sam Yoon seeks term limits on mayor’s seat
July 14, 2009
By: Richard Weir and Edward Mason
Mayoral challenger and city councilor Sam Yoon yesterday called for limiting Boston mayors to two four-year terms, making the pitch on the day incumbent Thomas M. Menino became the longest serving mayor in Hub history.
“If 8 years is good enough for the president of the United States, it has got to be good enough for the mayor of Boston,” said Yoon, pledging to serve just two terms.
A Yoon campaign statement stated that 10 presidents and five popes served over the same time Boston has had three mayors – actually, there have been nine presidents and four popes.
According to Yoon, the city could amend its charter with the Legislature’s approval to add term limits or voters could express their will through a nonbinding ballot question. Limits could also be imposed by approval of two-thirds of the City Council and the mayor.
Menino, who is seeking a record fifth term, pledged in 1993 he’d serve just two terms. Yesterday, he eclipsed Kevin H. White as the longest-serving Boston mayor. “The mayor’s position on term limits is that every four years he has to go before the residents of the city and seek their support again,” said Menino spokeswoman Dot Joyce.
Term limits are also backed by South End businessman and mayoral candidate Kevin McCrea. City Councilor and mayoral candidate Michael Flaherty prefers letting voters decide. Asked if he would commit to step aside after two terms, Flaherty said, “I don’t want to put the cart before the horse.”
