Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine is proposing that the town institute term limits for elected officials.

Romaine's proposal would limit the Brookhaven town supervisor, council members and superintendent of highways to three terms in office. It would also expand the length of their terms from two years to four years. He's calling for a public referendum on the plan.

“It causes for turnover in government, it allows fresh faces and new ideas to populate up,” says Romaine.

MaryAnn Johnston, president of the Affiliated Brookhaven Civic Associations, says two-year terms keep elected officials on their toes and benefit the public.

“It’s all about accountability,” she says. “Two-year terms force you to be more accountable.”

Others say term limits aren't necessary because residents already have the ability to vote ineffective incumbents out of office.

Romaine says it’s the people who should make the final call on term limits.

Brookhaven had term limits in the past, but Romaine says they have not been enforceable for years. A public hearing on the issue is scheduled for next month. If the Town Board approves, Romaine says a public referendum will be scheduled for November.