JONESVILLE — The federal government has given its blessing to four year staggered terms for the mayor and members of the Jonesville Town Council.

Mayor Ernest Moore announced Wednesday afternoon the U.S. Justice Department has approved the town’s plan to implement staggered four-year terms.

Jonesville Town Council voted unanimously in February to approve an ordinance establishing staggered terms but before it could become law it had to be approved by the Justice Department. Under the 1965 Voting Rights Act, any changes in election laws in South Carolina must first be submitted for approval to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

Moore said the Justice Department’s approval means the change will be implemented with the April 2010 election. He said while candidates for the four seats on council will still run for two year terms at that time, mayoral candidates will run for a four-year term. Then, in 2012, candidates for council will run for four four-year terms, completing the staggered system.

Moore said council decided to change the system because it thinks two years was too short a time for mayor and council members to implement a project and see it through. Also, Moore said it was thought staggered terms would help ensure there was always someone in office with governing experience.

Jonesville is the county’s last incorporated municipality to implement staggered terms.