No term limits for Imperial County Board of Supervisors

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - The Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted on whether or not to approve term limits.

During a regularly scheduled meeting, the board discussed the adoption of a resolution for imposing term limits for county supervisors.

The resolution failed to pass with Supervisors Jesus Escobar and Martha Cardenas-Singh voting in favor of term limits, and Supervisors Peggy Price, John Hawk, and Ryan Kelley voting against term limits.

The resolution would establish a lifetime limit of three terms, or 12 years, and would be presented to voters on the ballot for the 2028 election. The term limits would not be retroactive.

During public comments, EL Centro City Council candidate Peter Rodriguez addressed the board, saying, "We've had Supervisor Kelley for too long."

Resident Idell Burden said she supports term limits, stating, "Term limits are important."

"12 years, I think is good enough," resident Jesus Ortiz told the board.

Supervisor Escobar spoke in favor of term limits, stating, "I think more than three terms is too much in my personal opinion. I do not disagree with a two-term limit. But again, the proposal has been made for three terms which I am happy to support."

Supervisor Kelley said he wasn't outright opposed to the resolution, but he asked the question, "Why are we talking about it in this moment?"

"The electorate is choosing when they want to see someone change of face in their district," Kelley answered.

Supervisor Hawk said he would like more time to think about the matter.

"I'm not against it. I'm not necessarily for it. I'm just not ready to look at it today," Hawk said.

Supervisor Price also said she wanted more time to research the issue.