We said it two years ago, and we are saying it again this election season.

Albert Lea needs four-year mayoral terms. Put it to a vote. Austin intenads to. Why can’t our city do it, too?

Albert Lea has had two-year mayoral terms since 1903.

The turn of the 20th century was a time of populism. A democracy indeed functions with elections showing the desires of the people, but the populism movement brought American politics closer to the whims and fancies of the people.

There comes a point when a government agency benefits from an experienced leader. Are you better in your job than you were two years ago, four years ago or back when you started the career?

Four years give the voters something to judge. They can tell whether the mayor was successful in taking the city in a new and better direction, whether the mayor was successful in garnering the people’s trust. Two years is one to learn the job and another to seek re-election.

Look at the past decade of Albert Lea mayors.

Marv Wangen, ending in 2000

Bob Haukoos, 2001-2002

Jean Eaton, 2003-June 2005

Aaron Summers, June 2005-2006

Randy Erdman, 2007-2008

Mike Murtaugh, 2009-present

According to Tribune archives, Haukoos admitted back in 2002 that an Albert Lea mayor actually needs two terms to accomplish goals.

And a group of citizens urged a change back in 2003, to no avail.

The neighboring cities of Mason City, Clear Lake, Mankato, Rochester, Owatonna, Fairmont and Faribault all have four-year mayoral terms.

And Austin intends to put the matter on the ballot for the people to decide this fall. If approved, four-year terms would begin in 2012.

Is Albert Lea to remain the only major city in the region stuck with two-year mayoral terms?

It’s time for this issue to get some attention down at City Hall. Let’s get the matter of mayor terms on the ballot for this election.