Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - John Bargnesi knew it was going to be an uphill battle - along with a political wing and prayer - to see his proposal that would impose term limits on his fellow Erie County Legislators gain approval among his fellow lawmakers.
Turns out he was right.
Bargnesi's proposal to limit terms for county legislators to no more than three four-year terms was soundly defeated by an 8-3 count by his fellow lawmakers. Had it been approved, the proposal would have been a ballot issue in next fall's general election.
"I guess it is dead in the water," Bargnesi lamented shortly after the lawmaker's voted on Thursday.
Even the length of Bargnesi's term limits drew some questions.
Paul Wolf, an attorney and public sector watchdog, thought an eight-year limit was more apropos.
"Presidents only serve eight years," Wolf said. "If it is good enough for them, it should be good enough for the Erie County Legislature."
Wolf also criticized the proposal to have county lawmakers run for re-election every four years instead two years. He feels the lengthy period between elections makes lawmakers feel more entrenched.
"Four years versus two years is a terrible idea," Wolf said.
Bargnesi spent more than one year working on his proposal. He had previously shepherded the Town of Tonawanda's decision to impose term limits on its Town Board members.
Term limits are already in place in such towns as Amherst and, recently, Onondaga County voters backed term limits for their legislators.
"It makes it easier for people to get involved," Bargnesi said of term limits. "You shouldn't be making this (the legislature) a lifetime career."