Marietta voters ask for term limits for mayor and council

Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin discusses the pension plan during a Marietta City Council special work session on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Marietta. The city’s pension plan withheld benefits from Janet Cosper when her husband, longtime city administrator Hal Cosper, died. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin discusses the pension plan during a Marietta City Council special work session on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Marietta. The city’s pension plan withheld benefits from Janet Cosper when her husband, longtime city administrator Hal Cosper, died. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Marietta voters have given their stamp of approval to term limits for the mayor and city council, based on Tuesday’s election results.

More than 80 percent voted ‘yes’ on a non-binding referendum to impose term limits, paving the way for the city to request a new rule from the Cobb legislative delegation.

“More people have a chance to lead and I think turnover is good in this area,” said Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin.

The new law would limit city elected officials to three four-year terms, Tumlin said.