Marks To Introduce Term Limits Bill

David Marks said Saturday he will introduce on Jan. 17 a bill that would set term limits for county council members.

Marks said last month that he planned on , which he said he and others believe would be the first of its kind in the history of the county. The county executive is currently limited to two consecutive terms in office.

The proposal would limit council members to three consecutive terms beginning with the 2014 election. All seven current members would be allowed to serve three more conscutive terms beginning with the 2014 election regardless of how many terms they have already served.

That means the five current freshman, including Marks, could serve up to four terms. Councilman Ken Oliver and John Olszewski Sr. are in their third and fourth terms respectively, already. They could also serve three more terms beginning with the 2014 term.

The bill, if passed, would amend the County Charter and require the votes of at least five councilmembers and the approval of voters before it could take effect.

Marks said the bill, if approved by the council, would go before voters in the 2014 election when the council and county executive run for re-election.

The Perry Hall Republican is less than optimistic about the chances for his proposal.

"I do not have the votes but I pledged to introduce such a bill and at least it will spark discussion," said Marks, adding that he plans to voluntarily adhere to the term limits even if the bill fails.

"I have already said I plan to serve three terms regardless," said Marks.