Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer says he'll run for third term if November ballot proposal passes
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer announced Monday that he would seek a third term if voters approve a proposed change to the city's term limits in November.
"As I stand here today, the answer is yes. I would run for a third term as mayor of the city of Fresno," says Mayor Jerry Dyer.
The announcement came as city leaders continued their "good governance" campaign and unveiled a ballot measure that would limit elected officials to three terms in office.
Supporters say the proposal is designed to prevent politicians from cycling in and out of office indefinitely.
"Our city charter currently has no lifetime limit on city office. None," Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza said.
Under current rules, elected leaders may serve two consecutive terms, sit out for four years, and then run again without restriction.
The proposed change would impose a three-term limit, whether consecutive or not, and would bar officials from seeking re-election after reaching that cap.
If approved by the City Council, the measure would appear before voters as a yes-or-no question on the Nov. 3 ballot.
"12 years is the standard for a city of our size and the standard for the California state legislature as well," Esparza said.
Dyer described the proposed term limit as long overdue, but said experience in office has shown him that governing effectively requires time.
"We've built an incredible amount of momentum in this city, and I want to continue with that momentum, and I know it can appear as self-serving, but I'd also like to think it as self-limiting it prevents people coming back to office and recycling through this system," Dyer said.
He added that becoming effective in the role took several years.
"It took me honestly, the first three years in office to feel comfortable as a mayor of the city," Dyer said.
The proposed limits would also apply to people who have previously served in office. During questions from reporters, Esparza was asked whether the measure was directed at any specific politician.
"I'm sure I'm going to have some friends that are pretty happy and some friends that are pretty pissed off but that was not a consideration," Esparza said.
City leaders also announced a second proposed ballot measure that would create a redistricting advisory committee.
Currently, the Fresno City Council draws the city's district boundaries. Under the proposal, residents would take on that responsibility through an advisory commission.
"We want to make sure this goes to folks living out in the city of Fresno, your average Jane and Joe, to put the power in their hands to decide how our lines are going to be drawn," Councilmember Tyler Maxwell said.
People affiliated with a political campaign or party would be prohibited from serving on the commission. Council members would appoint the commissioners, who would be seated before the 2030 census.
The city council will vote on Thursday to place these measures on the ballot. If passed, voters will get their say in November.
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