A community in Chemung County has become the first to adopt term limits.

Big Flats board members passed a resolution that allows elected officials to run three consecutive times, and then they're done. The legislation does, however, offer room for adjustments by the board.

Lawmakers told Spectrum News they thought it was time for local governments to step up to the plate and act as an example.

"We are responsible to the citizens out here that elect us,” said Big Flats Town Supervisor Ed Fairbrother. “And I think Washington has forgot that. And maybe term limits can turn that around and say to them 'Look. You owe us.' "

Fairbrother hopes this starts a trend in Chemung County. The feeling is shared by County Executive Chris Moss, who included term limits in his campaign platform.