As promised, we’ll continue to assess term limits this week. The last post focused on the conjunction of term limits and city budgets.

Today, let’s discuss rapid administration changes. Prior to term limits, Mayors would definitely replace officials from the previous administration – both staff and appointed – with their own choices. They would frequently revamp departments and have the time to imprint their changes on the city. They could fund a capital project and see it come to fruition. The last Mayor before term limits, Kathy Whitmire, was Mayor for 10 years.

Now Mayors have essentially six years to leave their imprint on the city. It’s much tougher to envision a capital project, such as expanded rail or a Hobby Center for example, and then serve long enough to see it happen. Mayor Lee Brown pushed for the Main Street rail line but Mayor Bill White rode it to his Inaugural ceremony.

And yet, the urge to come in and put your stamp on the office remains. Each Mayor has been elected to office and completely replaced the leadership at Metro and other agencies. It takes a minimum of two years for the new teams to be put in place and then they have only a few more years to deploy the vision of the Mayor they serve.

Is this good policy? So far, it seems to be working for Houston. And yet, is it? The budget may be the one place that we are experiencing the true challenge. Budgeting for the next six years versus the long-term may not be in the best interest of government.

Institutional knowledge is also suffering. Having been a long-time City Hall observer, I am seeing policies and debates repeat themselves. I’m also finding that other civic leadership and experts outside of City Hall are becoming more relevant to the discussions than those elected. A bond lawyer who has worked with the city for years may have more insight on finances than those currently holding office.

Somehow, it is working for us. While there are downsides to short-term governing, there are also upsides. Decisions are made more quickly. Fresh ideas are always coming to City Hall with nearly 1/3 of Council leaving each year.

Next up – Can you remember Council Members?