A Smart Move

Earlier this month, East Hampton Village took a step that might be something for other villages and the two towns to consider: The Village Board voted to cut term lengths for its regulatory boards from five years to three.

At a time when Suffolk County is looking to double the length of commitment for county legislators from two to four years (though voters haven’t liked that concept in the past), it makes much more sense to ask people who are willing to take on a municipal post to do so with a much shorter commitment.

Frankly, service on a Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Board, the two boards affected by the East Hampton Village decision, can be a little grueling and largely thankless. It is public service in the truest sense. Asking people to sign up for five years likely scares away men and women who might well consider pitching in for a less intimidating term.

Mayor Jerry Larsen noted another benefit: A first term in an appointed post is a trying-out period for both sides: “If they’re not as good as you thought they were, it’s very difficult. It’s a long time before you can replace them.” Ditto for the board member, who might have regrets that feel crushing, staring at a five-year term.

Finally, fresh blood on any board is beneficial. Three-year terms don’t preclude a person from serving longer, but it gives the mayor and Village Board more chance to evaluate and, perhaps, reconsider an appointment.

These days, it’s difficult to find anyone willing to run for an elected office, let alone take on an appointment. This is one small way of making those jobs a little less intimidating, and perhaps a little more appealing.