LA County Supervisors Postponed VotingTo Put Term-Extending Measure On November Ballot

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has postponed a vote Tuesday to put a measure on the November ballot that would enable supervisors to stay in office for up to 20 years. As of 2002, supervisors have been limited to three four-year terms.

The vote was postponed after Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky brought up concerns that as it is currently written, voters may think the measure is referring to new term limits rather than extending existing limits.

The measure was recommended by Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

"With many municipalities in economic crisis, voters deserve the opportunity to choose who they feel is the most-experienced and best-qualified to navigate the county through tough times," Antonovich said.

After 32 years in office, Antonovich is still eligible for reelection this year, but will be termed out in 2016 if he retains his post.

The 72-year-old is unsure whether or not he will run for his last term, Spokesman Tony Bell told the Los Angeles Times.

If the proposal becomes law, three board members who would otherwise be barred from another term would be eligible for reelection.

As the current law stands, senior board member and former City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas is the only supervisor of the five-member board who is able to seek office again. He was recently elected to his second term.