Kiawah to seek opinion on extensions

Kiawah Town Council has decided to delay exploring proposals to extend from two to four years the terms served by council members and the mayor.  Two public hearings this month each drew 20 to 30 island residents. But council concluded many residents aren't fully informed about the issues, and many questions remain unanswered concerning the legal procedures for switching to longer terms and staggering elections, Town Administrator Allison Harvey said. Harvey said council has decided to seek the opinion of the S.C. attorney general's office. Staggering elections would mean an end to the current system, by which the mayor and council face voters in the same election year.  Exactly how to get from the current system to four-year terms with some council seats contested every other year is the dilemma facing council members who want to make the change, Harvey said. Council had wanted to resolved the matter in time for municipal election in December. But Harvey said council is considering putting an advisory referendum on the ballot in December, hoping voters can provide guidance on this issue.

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