In the 2007-2008 biennium several proposals for a constitutional amendment were proposed in the Vermont Legislature that raised the questions:

‘Should the Governor’s term be two years or four years?

What about other statewide offices such as Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Auditor, Secretary of State and Attorney General?

What about state senators and representatives?

If there are longer terms, should term limits be considered?

The Snelling Center undertook a project to stimulate voters to engage in a serious inquiry of whether two year or four year terms of office are in the best interest of Vermont, and which approach is most effective in advancing good governance. The basic values of good governance are seen to include accessibility, accountability, effective management, strategic leadership and the maintenance of the balance of power among the branches of government. Voters were encouraged to take advantage of research, forums, presentations and other tools, and will query candidates and their elected officials. Informed public opinion and a thorough and visible public discussion was encouraged to help inform the legislature’s deliberations during the 2007 – 08 biennium.  After consideration the Senate Government Operations Committee, where constitutional amendment proposals are first considered, voted not to advance the proposals to the full Senate or legislature, leaving these questions to be considered again in the future.

AARP

League of Women Voters

Vermont Business Roundtable