Lake Forest residents might be able to cast their votes in November to decide if termed-out city council members can run for office again after taking a break from serving the city.
During the Lake Forest City Council meeting on Jan. 20, city leaders unanimously directed staff to bring back draft ballot measure language that would add a four-year cooling-off period for city council members who have termed out.
That means that after city council members serve two consecutive four-year terms — the maximum currently allowed — then they would be able to run for office again after taking a four-year break.
That change would need to be placed on a ballot and approved by voters in order for it to take effect.
Lake Forest City Council members are expected to consider draft language for a potential ballot measure at a meeting this summer, according to Lake Forest City Manager Debra Rose.
Councilmember Mark Tettemer suggested the idea during the council’s meeting last month. He was speaking from experience — he was originally elected to the city council in 2004 and 2008, and after taking some time off, he was elected again in 2018 and 2022.
“It’s the lifetime ban that I struggle with the most,” Tettemer said during the meeting. “Let somebody sit out for four years, and if they want to come back, more choice for the people. I think that would be welcomed.”
Mayor Robert Pequeño agreed.
“I think we should have a cooling-off period,” he said. “However, this should be voted on in November with everything else.”
Lake Forest Sidesteps Increasing Term Limits
The item was initially brought forward by Councilmember Scott Voigts, who was originally asking his colleagues to consider a ballot measure that would extend term limits.
His request would have allowed council members to serve for three consecutive four-year terms instead of two — effectively giving council members extra years to serve than previously allowed.
He argued it takes time to develop expertise in regional government and keeping local representatives on boards and commissions as long as possible benefits the city and county.
“Eight years is not sufficient for us to actually have influence and clout in this County of Orange,” he said. “Two terms hurts the impact and influence of future city council members and the city of Lake Forest.”
Voigts is set to term out of office in November, alongside Tettemer. They are currently expected to leave office at the end of the year, potentially without the ability to run again.
Voigts met harsh opposition from the public and some of his council colleagues during the meeting.
“By this city council voting to seek additional terms, it seems like we’re saying that nobody else in this city can do this job,” Mayor Pequeño said at the meeting.
Several public speakers reminded city council members of a 2018 measure that created term limits in the first place.
During that election, 82.5% of voters supported the measure that established the two consecutive four-year term limit.
Lake Forest resident Lindsay Buck said no one asked for term limits to be extended.
“We voted in 2018 to restrict council seats to two terms by 82%,” she said. “Where did this idea come from? Except for Voigts’ desperate attempt to remain in power. In my opinion, no one in any branch of government should hold an elected position for more than eight years. Term limits ensure that no seat becomes entrenched because turnover is necessary for new perspectives to emerge.”
The council’s vote on Jan. 20 ended any progress to extend term limits.
While the council is expected to consider draft ballot measure language to create a cooling-off period for termed-out council members, it would not extend terms.
It comes after La Palma voters approved extending term limits for city council members in their town.
[Read: Will La Palma See 20-Year Politicians?]
In the small, north OC city where council members often run unopposed, voters approved a measure in 2024 that permits council members to serve three consecutive four-year terms instead of two.
It also restarted the clock for council members already in office, increasing term limits up to 20 years for some incumbents. About 4,000 La Palma voters chose yes while just under 3,000 voted no.
Correction: A previous version of this story said Councilmember Benjamin Yu was set to term out at the end of this year. He is currently serving his first term. We regret the error.
Angelina Hicks is the Voice of OC Collegiate News Service Editor. Contact her at ahicks@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @angelinahicks13.