ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – The town of Rocky Mount is pushing for term limits on its local officials, but the proposal faces an uphill battle in the Virginia General Assembly.
Mayor Holland Perdue is spearheading an initiative to limit both mayoral and town council positions to three four-year terms, or 12 years total. The proposal comes after consistent feedback from community members during his campaign.
“When we were campaigning, talking to citizens around here, that’s something that came up and that’s something Rocky Mount citizens wanted to be discussed,” Perdue said.
The town council recently voted unanimously to amend the town charter to allow for these term limits. However, the change requires approval from state lawmakers in Richmond — a hurdle that has proven challenging in past attempts.
“It’s been pretty bleak. We have not received overwhelming support on that issue,” Perdue said.
Supporters argue that term limits would bring fresh perspectives to local government. “We see the damage that career politicians do. We need to share a little bit. We need to spread that around so that other people can offer their input and serve,” said Steve Pasley, a Franklin County resident who supports the measure.
“It gets new ideas and new fresh faces coming in after that period of time. I think that’s positive and I think the community wants that here,” Perdue added.
Delegate Will Davis (R-39th District) will present the proposal to lawmakers in Richmond in the coming months. This marks the third attempt to pass such legislation, with similar efforts failing in the past two years.
Despite previous setbacks, Perdue remains committed to pursuing the change. “I’m not sure anything going to be different this year, but again the citizens of Rocky Mount have asked to take this forward and we’re going to continue with that,” he said.