Prince George's Co. Mulls Extending Term Limits

A board of citizens has recommended Prince George's County extend its term limits from two to three four-year terms.

From the new MGM Casino to a challenging bid for the new FBI headquarters, the county of nearly 1 million is in the midst of a growth spurt.

The term limit extension would have to be voted on by the county council by August, then voted on by the public during a general election.

"I've seen first-hand how term limits have been harmful to the country," Prince George's County Council Chair Mel Franklin said. 

Franklin said expanding the term limits would create a more knowledgeable local government.

"By the time you've actually gotten a grasp of it, you are probably in your second term, and you're on your way out," Franklin said.

County Executive Rushern Baker led an effort to end limits in 2000 when Wayne Curry served as executive. The initiative made it to the ballot where it failed 65-35 percent. Baker's spokesperson tells News4 the county executive supports the latest attempt to extend limits.

"Historically, he's always believed the people should decide when a leader is ineffective," Barry Hudson said.

Montgomery County is one of several Maryland counties that already functions without term limits.

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