Spfld votes to extend mayoral term

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has won re-election to a second two year term. However in the 2011 election, the winner of the mayor's race will serve a longer term.

That change will take place because Springfield voters approved it on Tuesday night.

With that vote, the mayor's term of office will go from two to four years, starting with the person elected in 2011.

Some wonder whether, such a long term deprives voters of changing their leadership if they do not like the direction the city is headed.

However, those who support the four year term feel that it gives the mayor time to settle in and accomplish more.

"Four years for a mayor will give them much more time to do what is really considered enough, and more time to know the people, their problems," said Keith Williams of Springfield.

The 4-year mayoral term will begin in January 2012, when the candidate is sworn in.