While the Town of Crawford is planning a referendum that would increase the length of the town supervisor’s term of office from two years to four, the Town of Montgomery has apparently abandoned a similar proposal.

The Town of Montgomery held a public hearing in which the plan drew widespread opposition. Supervisor Ron Feller, who is leaving office at the end of the year, decided not to pursue the matter any further.

Proponents of the plan have argued that a longer term enables the incumbent to accomplish more, but it also removes a measure of accountability. Brian Maher served as Montgomery Town Supervisor for three years, having been elected to a higher office midway through his second term. He apparently didn’t need four years to provide a litany of accomplishments prior to leaving office.

John Valk is nearing the end of his 13th consecutive two-year term as supervisor in the Town of Shawangunk. He has apparently never needed the luxury of a four-year term, but has been willing and able to run on his record.

A longer term benefits only the incumbent who gets to save money on political signs and mailings. It doesn’t help the voters, who will still have reason to turn out at the polls every other year.

The shorter term of office encourages elected officials to remain more closely attuned to the needs and concerns of their constituents. When elected officials are constantly facing the prospect of re-election every two years, they are more likely to prioritize the interests of the people they represent. This heightened accountability not only ensures that elected officials remain responsive to the changing aspirations of the public but also curbs the temptation to become complacent or out of touch with the evolving realities they must face.

Shorter terms also lessen the risk of complacency and therefore keep citizens engaged in the process and foster accountability. A politician worth electing should have no trouble earning a second, third or fourth vote from the same constituency.