A group of politically engaged Allen residents has exposed the sources of cash funding a controversial campaign to lengthen the city’s term limits for elected officials.
“We have all been curious as to who was aiding the mayor in the deceptive attempts to extend the current term limits from 12 to 18 years,” said Michelle Bishop, president of We The People Allen.
The local conservative advocacy group looked at public campaign finance reports to find out who contributed to the political action committee backing Proposition A, a city charter amendment on the November ballot that would increase the amount of time officials can serve.
“Who paid for all the misleading signs and mailers? Who exactly would align with him on pushing for an additional six years in office? Well, now we know,” Bishop said.
Allen Mayor Ken Fulk, several former council members and candidates, and two local real estate developers were listed as donors on a finance report filed this week by the pro-Proposition A “Support Term Limits Amendment” PAC.
“It makes me concerned when land developers and politicians are pushing for longer term limits,” said Nathan Polsky, who ran for the city council this May. “Especially when they were just voted on two years ago.”
Allen voters first approved imposing term limits on city officials in 2019. Under current limits, the mayor and council members can hold office for 12 years total and two consecutive three-year terms at a time.
If Proposition A passes, term limits will be extended to 18 years and three consecutive terms.
We The People Allen says advertising paid for by the pro-Proposition A PAC is deceptive.
Signs saying “Vote For Terms Limits, Vote For Proposition A” are misleading voters into thinking the city will not have term limits unless Proposition A passes.
Volunteers from WTPA have been outside Allen’s main polling place throughout early voting, answering voters’ questions about the proposed changes. The group also sent their own mailers to local voters.
Both sides have talked about the term limits issue on social media.
Mayor Fulk has openly supported longer term limits and produced a video promoting Proposition A, saying longer terms for elected officials are good for the city and will allow Allen to gain greater influence within county and regional groups.
Councilmember Daren Meis, one of three conservatives elected to council this year with support from WTPA, countered with a video recommending residents vote against Proposition A.
“Limiting terms helps to support new ideas, fresh perspectives, and modern solutions,” Meis said.
Proposition B, also on the ballot, would shorten the time officials must sit out before running again, from three years to one year. WTPA and Meis say they are fine with that change.
Early voting on the ballot propositions ends Friday. Election Day is November 2.
