Last fall's municipal election produced the city's lowest voter turnout in 22 years. Only 13 percent of Boston's eligible voters went to the polls. I filed two orders recently that I hope will improve those numbers.

Some pundits blamed the rain. I believe voter apathy is more complicated than whether or not the sun is shining.

Waning interest in municipal elections means that fewer and fewer residents are exercising their right to choose their elected leaders and have an impact on the laws and policies that affect their lives. We need to reverse this trend and re-energize the voters of Boston. It's time to modify the system. A few changes could have a significant impact.

That's why I filed orders calling for term limits and proposed extending the City Counil terms from two years to four.

The mayor's race is held every four years while City Council races are held every two. That means City Councillors must mount a re-election campaign every other year. That's a lot of campaigning. Four year terms would give us more time to focus on the job and less time running to keep it. It could also attract new candidates who today may be intimidated by the prospect of running for a two-year term. New candidates would lead to new and diverse voices on the Council. It would encourage growth, movement and change.

Traditionally, more voters head to the polls during Mayoral elections or every four years. Participation plummets during the "off years" when Councillors stand alone on the ballot. I believe if the Mayor and City Council terms were concurrent it would draw more voters. Holding City elections every four years would also save the city in election-related expenses. The cancellation of the 2007 preliminary election (called off because of the low number of candidates on the ballot) saved the city an estimated $500,000. Those savings could be used to educate our children about the importance of civic participation and exercising the right to vote.

I have also filed an order to cap the terms of the Mayor and the City Council at 12 years. Term limits give elected officials a deadline. They create a sense of urgency to move their agenda forward. Once they have accomplished their goals they can step out of the way and give someone new a chance to make a difference.

The power of voting is not lost on our young people. They know that a phone call or a text message to American Idol can change the fate of a would-be pop star. Let's reach out to those potential voters and inspire them to get involved and even run for office. Last year I launched Tobin's Teens, group of young people from my district who meet regularly to discuss the issues that are important to the city's teenagers. They recently launched a blog on my website about current events. Last summer they toured the State House and met with Governor Deval Patrick. It is my hope that this experience show them how government works and the role of citizens in shaping public policy.