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An ordinance of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, directing that a referendum question regarding the amendment of Article III, §5(b) of the Home Rule Charter of Allegheny County, which places term limits on only the Chief Executive, be placed on the May 19, 2026 Primary Election ballot, and amending the Charter and Administrative Code of Allegheny County contingent upon the passage of such referendum.
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Whereas, Article III, §5(b) of the Home Rule Charter of Allegheny County establishes that “[t]he Chief Executive shall be limited to three consecutive terms of office.”; and
Whereas, it is the judgment of Council that the inclusion of the word “consecutive” in Article III, §5(b) creates ambiguity with regard to whether an individual might serve three consecutive terms, and then after an interruption in that service, serve three additional consecutive terms; and
Whereas, it is further the judgment of Council that this ambiguity is undesirable, and could function to circumvent the goals and functions of term limits to a significant extent; and
Whereas, it is finally the judgment of Council that a three term limitation imposed upon the Chief Executive is both an equitable and rational means of allowing for extended public service in that capacity by qualified individuals, while expanding access to elected office for other qualified individuals who wish to serve as the Chief Executive;
Whereas, it is therefore the desire of Council to resolve the ambiguity contained within Article III, §5(b);
The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby enacts as follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of the Preamble.
The provisions set forth in the preamble to this Ordinance are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
SECTION 2. Ballot Question.
Pursuant to the Second Class County Charter Law and the Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law, the Allegheny County Board of Elections is hereby directed to place the following que...
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