Thomasville voters go to the polls next week to decide some interesting races for mayor and City Council. But the referendum on term lengths for the mayor and council positions has been stirring up lots of interest this year.

And that’s a good thing. ... Stirring up interest in local elections is always a good thing.

Residents on both sides of the term lengths issue have voiced their positions in Your View letters to the editor. Both sides present good arguments.

Those favoring four-year terms – staggered for the seven City Council members – argue that such a system provides continuity after city elections and gives council members the chance to focus more on city business and not worry about another election in just two years.

Those favoring continuation of the current system in which all council members and the mayor are elected every two years argue that the shorter term lengths make city officials more accountable to the public and give the voters more power.

We endorse the latter argument, whether the discussion is about Thomasville officials, members of High Point City Council or elected leaders of any other municipality. Electing city leaders every two years gives voters the chance to correct mistakes or reverse direction more quickly.

Thomasville should stay with the term lengths it has.