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Term limits, elections,  and holding local  officials accountable

By Robin Ginner 

Eagle River City Administrator

One question that occasionally arises in local government is whether elected officials should be subject to term limits. Many residents are surprised to learn that most local governments in Wisconsin — including the City of Eagle River — do not impose term limits on elected officials.

Instead, accountability occurs through regular elections.

In Eagle River, the mayor and members of the city council must stand for election at intervals established by Wisconsin law. At each election, voters have the opportunity to decide whether an elected official should continue serving or whether someone else should represent the community.

While elections provide this opportunity for accountability, contested races have been relatively uncommon in Eagle River in recent years. 

Over the past decade, only two municipal elections have featured a contested race, and both were for the office of mayor — in 2019 and again in 2025. Most other municipal offices have either been uncontested or attracted only enough candidates to fill the available seats. This reflects a challenge faced by many small communities: encouraging residents to seek local office and participate directly in local government.

Across Wisconsin, term limits for local elected officials are uncommon. Most cities, villages, and towns rely on elections as the primary mechanism for accountability. Nationally, only a small percentage of municipalities impose term limits on mayors or council members. 

In most communities, voters decide how long an elected official may serve.

Supporters of term limits often argue that they encourage fresh perspectives, create opportunities for new candidates, and prevent individuals from serving for extended periods. These are reasonable arguments and remain part of an ongoing discussion in communities across the country.

At the same time, smaller communities often choose not to impose term limits for practical reasons.

One benefit is the retention of institutional knowledge. Local government projects — including infrastructure improvements, utility planning, economic development initiatives, and long-range budgeting — often take years to complete. Experienced elected officials can provide continuity and historical context that help communities make informed decisions.

Another consideration is the size of the available candidate pool. Communities such as Eagle River rely on residents willing to devote significant time to public service while balancing careers, families, and other commitments. Mandatory term limits could require qualified and effective officials to leave office even when residents remain satisfied with their performance.

Most importantly, elections themselves serve as a built-in form of accountability. 

Every election allows voters to evaluate an official’s performance, attend meetings, review public records, ask questions, and decide whether that individual should continue serving. If residents believe change is needed, they have the power to elect new leadership.

Local government works best when citizens remain informed and engaged. Whether someone supports term limits or prefers the current system, participation in elections remains the most direct way for residents to shape the future of their community.

In Eagle River, the responsibility for determining who serves in local office ultimately rests where many believe it should — with the voters.

Learn more

Residents interested in local government are encouraged to attend city council meetings, review meeting agendas and minutes, and participate in local elections. 

Information about meetings and elections is available through city hall and on the city’s website, eagleriverwi.gov.