Remarks on Term Limits

In 2022, David Smith of Sinclair Broadcasting invested in a politically motivated signature campaign to enshrine term limits for Baltimore City elected officials. As your elected officials’ we came up short in explaining the harmful impacts of this ballot initiative and it passed without proper review or scrutiny. The law passed in 2022, now requires elected officials to leave their post after two terms. This arbitrary requirement removes continuity from office and disrupts work in progress. 

I represent 40,000 constituents in the 14th district to whom the power rightfully belongs.  Voters determine who should be in office. Term limits undermine the public, and essentially say that the public cannot be trusted with elections. Mary Pat Clarke is proof of concept for the case against term limits in Baltimore City. Her dedication to community and fierce representation of her constituents were the momentum behind every election. Each election was a  referendum of renewed faith and to continue the work. Mary Pat Clarke, who helped so many families throughout her 40 year career in public office, would not have been able to make the impact she made if her time was cut short by term limits.

Councilmembers Dorsey and Parker introduced the repeal of 26-1093 so we can have the discussion and so we can do a better job of communicating about the repercussions of Sinclair's proposal. I support the repeal of 26-0193. I will be voting to put term limits back on the ballot because I believe in the public. I believe in my constituents. It is important to put the power back in their hands.