Ballot propositions on local elections see further advancement in Lakeway

Lakeway City Council has proposed several ballot propositions for the November election centered on, among other topics, term limits for its City Council and when the city’s elections are held.

The discussion took place during the July 6 council meeting, and officials voted unanimously to move forward with the ballot propositions.

As one example, Proposition C would see residents vote on changing the number of terms for the mayor and each council member to three successive two-year terms maximum.

One reason for the focus on term limits, according to City Attorney Cobby Caputo, is to reconcile the language in the Lakeway charter to reflect the fact that each council member's term is two years, not three as is stated in the charter.

Another proposition, one listed as optional, would amend Lakeway’s elections to take place in November, changing them from May.

City officials have argued in recent meetings that, among other reasons, voter turnout is higher in November elections and justifies the shift.

Other ballot propositions would clarify procedures for omitting candidates who have died or withdrawn from an election, eliminate a requirement that the city manager live in Lakeway and eliminate the any references to the city treasurer position in the Lakeway city charter.

Council will likely vote to call a special election on the proposed ballot measures during its July 20 meeting.