The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1938-12-10
FOUR-YEAR TERMS FOR PUBLIC
OFFICIALS ARE FAVORED

Information coming to The Ilmes-NeWS
is that a large majority of the residents of
the town and county probably would vote,
if given the opportunity, to make the terms
of office of all county officials four years.
That is the report of citizens who have
been sounding out the sentiment OF the
voters, since it was suggested by this news
paper some days ago, that in view OF the
fact only three officials will hereafter be
elected every two years, it would be advis-
able to include these in four-year terms.
1t will not be necessary for the people
to vote on the proposition, as all that is
necessary is make the change is an act of
the Legislature applying to Henderson
county 1t is probable this bill will be in
troduced and passed at the next session,
unless there is a much larger volume of
opposition to the proposal than has been
heard to this date.
Reasons urged by citizens favoring the
proposal for making the terms of county
commissioners, tax collector and county
surveyor four years parallel the reasons
Constitution to permit the election for four
year terms of sheriffs and cOroners. 1t is
asserted by friends of the plan that the
chances are favorable to the election of
better men to fill the offices if the officials
are not compelled to seek election every
other year and thus maintain constant
political contest to protect their positions.
1t is true that if mistake is made under
this system the county may be t'stuck" with
an Inefficient or undesirable office holder;
but this certainly should cause the voters
to be more careful in the selection of their
public officials, and it is believed it would
do So 90.
1t would certainly afford satisfaction to
first class public officials to be relieved of
almost continuous campaigns and the trou-
bic and expense of constantly playing poll
tics. Serving four years, public officials
would have chance to get acquainted
with the business of their offices and to
prepare and qualify for efficient service
Under the two year plan they may be
thrust out of office before they have ae-
tually had the opportunity of familiarizing
themselves with their official duties and
gaining that experience which is essential
to the most efficient and satisfactory serv-
ice
Some financial saving to the county will
also be accomplished under the four-year
plan, while it will still be necessary to elect
members of the Legislature every two
years. .... ...
The four-year plan is the best and most
satisfactory for the people and for their
public officials in the estimation of The
Tlmes-News and if that is true as to our
county officials with three exceptions, why
not apply it all along the line? That seems
to fairly sum up the views of decisive
majority of Henderson county citizens, OF
both political parties; so it is doubtful il
any real opposition to the four-year plar
for commissioners, tax collector and sur
veyor will develop. p.
/ EDITORIAL NOTE-The foregoing ar
ticle was written before the editor of The
: Times-News had learned the views of Re
, publican County Chairman James J. Pace
as stated in an interview given this news
: paper by that gentleman and published
yesterday. 1t is, therefore, not directed a
his views and is in no particular designed
, to answer him. 1t presents the Times-News
estimate of the situation in regard to four
year terms for all county offices as we be
, lieve it stands today.-Editor.