In Lemon Grove, city leaders this week weighed establishing term limits for council and mayoral seats, but further action was postponed until a new council is seated.
Read more San Diego federal court to posthumously honor Andrew Haden with prestigious civility award
As it stands, the East County city does not impose limits on the number of terms an individual may serve.
Other cities in the region have set their own caps. Santee voters established a lifetime limit of three terms for council members and two terms for mayor. In La Mesa, officials are limited to three consecutive terms in any seat, before a required four-year break. El Cajon does not have any term limits.
Councilmembers Yadira Altamirano and Jennifer Mendoza initiated the discussion, but staff noted the decision would be left to voters during the 2028 election, if the newly elected council decides to move forward with an ordinance.
“I feel that this would be a good opportunity for new ideas and new faces,” Altamirano said.
Unlike neighboring cities in the region, Lemon Grove’s council usually experiences high turnover at each election cycle — at least in the last decade.
Read more Jehovah’s Witnesses allow blood-derived products but keep ban on whole-blood transfusions
Former Lemon Grove Mayor Mary Sessom holds the record as the city’s longest-serving elected official, totaling 22 years in office between her tenure on the council and as mayor. Former Mayor Bob Burns served for nearly two decades, following the city’s incorporation in 1977.
“I don’t see a really great need for it in Lemon Grove, because the voters always want at least one new person on the council,” Mendoza said.
While turnover can reduce institutional knowledge on the council, Councilmember Seth Smith said many officials retire from city hall to pursue seats on other municipal boards.
Because the deadline has already passed for the 2026 election, the newly elected council will decide whether to continue discussing potential term limits. After an ordinance is approved by the council, the final decision would be left with the voters.
Read more Inside the viral video of the burglar and the San Diego dog who just wanted to play
