SANTA PAULA : 2-Term Limit for Council Proposed

Santa Paula City Council members would be limited to two terms under an initiative local activists hope to qualify for the November, 1992, ballot.

The initiative is aimed at unseating incumbent council members who have done little to spur economic activity in the city, activists Roger Wilde and John Wisda said Friday.

“It’s certainly nothing personal. I’d just like to see a more pro-business attitude on the council,” said Wilde, an accountant in Ventura.

But Santa Paula Mayor John Melton, who is serving his fifth term, said the effort stems from a personal vendetta directed against him. Council terms are four years. “Mr. Wilde and Mr. Wisda are both part of a broom committee from the last election,” Melton said. “They tried to oust me to get their own people in and failed.”

In last November’s election, the two ran a series of advertisements that focused on removing longtime council members. Melton was the only incumbent in that race.

He placed second in citywide balloting behind new council member Margaret Ely but retained his seat.

Council members may serve an unlimited number of terms. Besides Melton, Les Maland and Al Urias have served at least four terms on the council. Maland has said he will not run for reelection next year.

To get on the ballot, the initiative must be signed by 904 voters, or 10% of the total, officials said. To win, the initiative needs a simple majority.