Keep in mind that limiting the terms of elected officials essentially passes the power to the legislative staff who have no term limits. As new members of the House or Senate begins learning the ropes of the processes, they typically rely on existing staff members who hold their own political philosophy that could be used to shape legisl…
Keep in mind that limiting the terms of elected officials essentially passes the power to the legislative staff who have no term limits. As new members of the House or Senate begins learning the ropes of the processes, they typically rely on existing staff members who hold their own political philosophy that could be used to shape legislation.
While it may be a relatively quick study for some, for most new members, this legislative education and understanding takes a year or more to understand the nuances and practicalities.
Granted, there are always elected members who clearly have scant knowledge of what is required of them to participate in the legislative process or are driven primarily by their own importance rather than listening to their constituents for their input, or who have other frailties with understanding the legislative processes. And, yes, it can be difficult for voters to oust those with limited qualifications, especially with no limits on campaign financing.
At least the voters have a say in who they want representing them with the present system.
Term limits limits the voice of voters.
My observations based on several years as a political and investigative news reporter, state senate legislative staff member, and a four-term member of our House of Representatives many years ago.
I agree, Mike. Be aware of the implications of bumper sticker politics. If it only were that simple. I vote to elect people with the intellectual and moral integrity to do the hard work, years out, to make progress. I hope I never vote for someone who share all my ideas. I know my limits. Governing is not for the temp.
Regular turnover also helps avoid what has become known as "regulatory capture". It's not an easy choice, any more than arbitrarily ending an effective legislative career after a set number of terms.
Dave, I understand the thought. There is the 'however'. 2/3rds of eligible voters are nearly impossible to achieve. First, not all voters turn out. Even obtaining 2/3rds of those that do turn out is a daunting and challenging task. My take is the best way to resolve this issue is radically changing the way money flows into campaigns.
Thanks Mike. The "however" is precisely the point; any legislator worth keeping should be able to motivate 2/3 of the eligible voters in their district to vote to keep them.
I agree on the need to change the way campaigns are financed and will support the necessary Amendment whenever it gets written. The way it's run now, most candidates and pundits give the impression that money equates to votes and that's only true after they're elected.
That is the way it is in Ohio with legislative term limits. Voting is the best way. Don't like the guy, vote him out and work like hell to convince your friends to do the same.
Keep in mind that limiting the terms of elected officials essentially passes the power to the legislative staff who have no term limits. As new members of the House or Senate begins learning the ropes of the processes, they typically rely on existing staff members who hold their own political philosophy that could be used to shape legislation.
While it may be a relatively quick study for some, for most new members, this legislative education and understanding takes a year or more to understand the nuances and practicalities.
Granted, there are always elected members who clearly have scant knowledge of what is required of them to participate in the legislative process or are driven primarily by their own importance rather than listening to their constituents for their input, or who have other frailties with understanding the legislative processes. And, yes, it can be difficult for voters to oust those with limited qualifications, especially with no limits on campaign financing.
At least the voters have a say in who they want representing them with the present system.
Term limits limits the voice of voters.
My observations based on several years as a political and investigative news reporter, state senate legislative staff member, and a four-term member of our House of Representatives many years ago.
Don't forget the lobbyists, who grease the wheels.
Good point, I like elect integrity, albeit subject to the mind warp of MAGAts
I agree, Mike. Be aware of the implications of bumper sticker politics. If it only were that simple. I vote to elect people with the intellectual and moral integrity to do the hard work, years out, to make progress. I hope I never vote for someone who share all my ideas. I know my limits. Governing is not for the temp.
Thank you for this perspective…constant turnovers even in a small agency leads to a lack of consistency and competence and institutional knowledge
Regular turnover also helps avoid what has become known as "regulatory capture". It's not an easy choice, any more than arbitrarily ending an effective legislative career after a set number of terms.
How about term limits with a provision that 2/3 of eligible voters could override the limit in particular cases?
Dave, I understand the thought. There is the 'however'. 2/3rds of eligible voters are nearly impossible to achieve. First, not all voters turn out. Even obtaining 2/3rds of those that do turn out is a daunting and challenging task. My take is the best way to resolve this issue is radically changing the way money flows into campaigns.
Thanks Mike. The "however" is precisely the point; any legislator worth keeping should be able to motivate 2/3 of the eligible voters in their district to vote to keep them.
I agree on the need to change the way campaigns are financed and will support the necessary Amendment whenever it gets written. The way it's run now, most candidates and pundits give the impression that money equates to votes and that's only true after they're elected.
That is the way it is in Ohio with legislative term limits. Voting is the best way. Don't like the guy, vote him out and work like hell to convince your friends to do the same.
I agree.
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