Currently, most city officials take office Dec. 1 -- causing problems for two new incoming officials who ran close races, and had just a few days to arrange to leave their former jobs after election recounts confirmed that they won. >> Lengthening the term of office for law director from four years to six years -- similar to the six-year terms of office for municipal judges. >> Allowing the mayor to appoint a chief of police from the next two lower ranks or grades (or the next three lower ranks, if the mayor has fewer than three individuals to choose from).