Yoon Calls For Term Limits As Menino Becomes Boston’s Longest-Serving Mayor
The Era of Machine Politics is Over

July 13, 2009

BOSTON – City Councilor-at-Large and mayoral candidate Sam Yoon pledged today to serve no more than two terms if elected mayor and announced support for mandatory term limits for Boston mayor. The announcement comes as Thomas Menino becomes the longest-serving mayor in Boston history.

“If eight years is long enough for the President of the United States, then it should be long enough for the Mayor of Boston,” said Yoon. “Politicians, just like everything else, have a shelf life. After two terms, staleness begins to creep into administrations.� Term limits ensure fresh leadership and a healthier democracy.”

Since 1968, there have been 10 U.S. presidents, 5 popes, and only 3 Boston mayors.

Yoon said term limits would increase the productivity of the mayor’s office.

“If a mayor had a set time of eight years to carry out his or her agenda, there would be more done and more accomplished in the mayor’s office. There needs to be a sense of urgency in city government,” added Yoon.

Other cities like Philadelphia and New Orleans have instituted term limits for their mayors – a move that has increased competitive elections and created more innovative government.

“The era of machine politics is over,” said Yoon. “In the 21st Century, we do not need mayors who become institutions and use the power of their office to build a patronage system that ensures their re-election every four years.”

Term limits could be implemented through a home rule petition in the state legislature or ballot initiative. Yoon is looking into both options.