Maricopa Has No Term Limits. That Needs to Change

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM · MARICOPA, AZ · PINAL COUNTY

Every comparable Arizona city already caps how long officials can hold power. It's time Maricopa voters demand the same — and the law already gives us a clear path to make it happen.

By Chrystal O'Jon · Candidate, Maricopa City Council · April 28, 2025

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> 87% of Americans support term limits — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike. This isn't partisan. It's common sense.

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Maricopa is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona. Our population has surged, our neighborhoods have multiplied, and the demands on local government have never been greater. But while our city has grown and changed, one thing has stubbornly stayed the same: there is absolutely no limit on how long a Mayor or City Council member can hold office. Not one term cap. Not one accountability mechanism tied to time in power. Nothing.

That is not just unusual — it's an outlier. Every comparable Arizona city — Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Peoria — has already enacted term limits for its elected officials. These aren't radical places. They're our neighbors. And they made a simple, common-sense decision: leadership should be refreshed, not permanently held.

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How Maricopa Compares to Arizona Cities

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Source: AZ League of Cities & Towns, city charters

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## Why This Matters for Pinal County's Largest City

Maricopa is the largest city in Pinal County. What happens here sets the tone for the entire region. When our city council operates without any term boundaries, it creates the conditions for political entrenchment — where the same individuals accumulate relationships, favors, and institutional knowledge in ways that make it increasingly difficult for new voices to break through, no matter how talented or community-minded they may be.

Newcomers to Maricopa — deserve representation that reflects who we are now, not who held power a decade ago. A city that prides itself on growth and forward momentum should not be governed by a structure that rewards longevity over performance.

> "When elected officials know their time is limited, they focus on results — not re-election. That's the kind of transparent government Maricopa deserves."

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## The National Tide Is Running Toward Reform

This isn't just a local conversation. Across the country, voters from every political background are demanding that power change hands more regularly.

- 87% of Americans favor term limits for elected officials (Pew Research, Sept. 2023)

- 83% support Congressional term limits in 2025 polling (McLaughlin & Associates, Jan. 2025)

- 86% of Republicans · 80% of Democrats · 85% of Independents are all on board

The momentum is real and accelerating. Baltimore voters approved council term limits with 72% support. Michigan enacted legislative term limits that same year. In 2024 alone, U.S. Term Limits reported its most successful year ever, with 1,273 pledge-signing candidates winning state legislative seats nationwide. The question is no longer whether term limits are popular — the question is why Maricopa is still waiting.

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## Arizona Law Already Gives Us the Tool

Here is what many Maricopa residents don't know: we don't need permission from the state legislature. We don't need a city charter rewrite.

Under ARS §9-232.05, Maricopa voters — as residents of a general-law city — can enact term limits through a ballot initiative approved by a simple majority. That means enough petition signatures to get it on the ballot, and enough voters to say yes on Election Day. No charter change needed. Just the political will to see it through.

The mechanism exists. The public support is overwhelming. What's needed now is a community organized enough to use it.

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## What Good Term Limits Would Look Like

Most Arizona cities that have enacted term limits have landed on structures like two terms for the Mayor and two to three terms for Council members — enough time to learn the job and deliver results, but not so long that a seat becomes a career. These caps encourage new candidates to step forward, knowing there will actually be an opening. They bring in fresh perspectives, new energy, and leadership that reflects Maricopa's evolving demographics rather than a static political class.

Term limits also change the incentive structure of governing itself. An official with a finite window in office is focused on what they can accomplish — not on maintaining a political machine. Residents benefit from that shift every single day.

> "Term limits encourage more people to run, bring fresh perspectives, and give every neighborhood a real shot at representation."

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## A Call to Action for Maricopa Voters

This is not a partisan issue. It never has been. Term limits enjoy support from across the political spectrum because they are fundamentally about fairness — ensuring that democracy doesn't calcify into a permanent ruling class at any level of government, including city hall.

If you believe Maricopa should reflect the energy and ambition of the people who choose to build their lives here, then join this conversation. Talk to your neighbors. Attend city council meetings. Ask candidates where they stand. And when the opportunity comes to sign a petition or cast a vote for reform — take it.

Our city is growing. Our leadership should too.

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Chrystal O'Jon is a candidate for Maricopa City Council running on a platform of teamwork, transparency, and results. She is a Pinal County resident committed to bringing fresh leadership to Maricopa's growing community. Learn more at votechrystal.com.

Topics: Term Limits · Maricopa AZ · Pinal County · Local Government · City Council · Government Reform · ARS §9-232.05

(edited with AI)