LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — This November, Lee County will vote on term limits for some of it’s top elected leaders, including the sheriff, tax collector, and supervisor of elections.
Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka helped sponsor a ballot measure that would create term limits for the county’s constitutional officers. The officers are independently elected officials that oversee different parts of local government. That includes the sheriff, tax collector, property appraiser, supervisor of elections, and clerk of the circuit court.
Under the proposal, constitutional officers would be limited to three consecutive four-year terms in office. It would go into effect after the 2028 election, Mulicka said. The measure would not apply to terms that are in effect before November 2026.
Mulicka argued the proposal will end career politicians and bring new blood into office.
“I believe that fresh eyes and fresh legs make a big difference in this business,” Mulicka said. “Being in private life before you’re in public service, I think that really helps.”
These elected officials impact voters on a daily basis, Florida Gulf Coast University Political Science Professor Sandra Pavelka said. Whether it’s calling the Sheriff’s Office in an emergency, or getting a marriage license at the clerk of court’s office, people have more interaction with local leaders than state and federal ones, Pavelka said.
“Voters are looking for, I think, new perspectives, new experiences, and really wanting other elected officials to come into the mix,” Pavelka said.
A possible downside could be the loss of institutional knowledge, Pavelka said, or the interruption of long-term planning.
Voters previously approved a charter amendment in 2014 limiting county commissioners to three consecutive four-year terns, The amendment passed with 88% of the vote.
WINK News reached out to all of the constitutional offices for comment. Below are the responses:
Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court Kevin Carnes:
“I believe public office is a privilege, not an entitlement. Those of us entrusted with serving the public have a responsibility to earn that trust every day through transparency, accountability, and results. Ultimately, I believe in term limits, but I respect the voters’ right to decide how they want their government structured, and I will respect their decision in November.”
Lee County Tax Collector Noelle Branning:
“Ultimately, this is a decision for the voters of Lee County. I respect their role in shaping the future of our local government. I’m proud to serve this community and remain committed to providing the best possible service to our customers.”
Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell:
“Elected office should never be a lifetime appointment. 12 year term limits for our county executive officers just makes good sense.”
Lee County Elections Supervisor Jenna Persons-Mulicka:
“As the elections office, our focus is on conducting a safe, secure, and accurate general election. No matter what measures are on the ballot, we encourage all voters to come out and vote.”
Lee County Sheriff’s Office:
“We don’t typically offer comment prematurely. Feel free to circle back once a determination has been made.”