Lawson-Remer proposes extending county term limits
Proposal would extend supervisor term limits, create an elected “county mayor,” and reshape core county offices, setting up a high‑stakes governance debate
COUNTY — A proposal by San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer has reignited debate over the structure of county government as she seeks to extend term limits, create a new elected leadership position and add new departments and programs.
She announced her plan to amend the county charter earlier this month, according to reports. Lawson-Remer’s proposal includes extending term limits for supervisors from two to three four‑year terms and converting the county’s top administrator, the chief administrative officer, from an appointed position to an elected one. Supervisors are currently limited to two terms.
Reports state the elected CAO would be akin to a “county mayor.” Voters must approve any amendments to the county charter, although only three votes are needed to send the measure to the ballot.
Additionally, a judge ruled Friday the county cannot suppress an email from former CAO Helen Robbins-Meyer to former Chief Counsel Claudia Silva detailing an alleged quid-pr-quo from Lawson-Remer to former Deputy CAO Michael Vu, La Prensa reported. According to the email, Lawson-Remer allegedly told Vu she would support his candidacy for the CAO position if he hired Paul Worlie, the former chief of staff to former Supervisor Nathan Flecther.
Supervisors hired Ebony Shelton in 2024 after a contentious battle lasting more than 18 months, which has also resulted in a lawsuit by Vu alleging racial discrimination by former Supervisor Nora Vargas and quid-pro-quo allegations against Lawson-Remer.
Lawson-Remer’s proposal, meanwhile, still has gaps to fill, per reports, but she has been working with the progressive San Diego-based non-profit Center on Policy Initiatives, along with labor unions, businesses, and community, civic and religious groups.
“This is a work in progress with many considerations yet to be resolved, but the core aspects are budget transparency and budget independence, stability, ethics reform, open government and public participation, greater accountability of staff leadership to voters and the public, and rigorous program evaluation to protect taxpayer dollars,” Lawson-Remer told the Voice of San Diego in a statement.
