Extend Term Limits
October 19th, 2007 by Marc
It’s not often that I comment on politics, but an editorial in today’s Morning Sentinel, NOV. 6 REFERENDUM QUESTION 5 Term-limits law hasn’t had desired effects on Legislature is right on.
In 1996, Maine voted to limit terms of politicians. There were a few life-long politicians that seemed to run the Legislature. Term limits were an attempt to remedy that.
Instead, John Martin still has incredible influence, and we don’t have any proof that the limits have promoted democracy. Indeed, they seem to encourage near-sighted, 2-year “fixes” to systemic state and economic challenges. It’s like having a near-sighted driver with esotropia weaving all over I-95 at 70 miles per hour. The driver is getting somewhere, but at untold harm and danger to everyone else on the road.
Term limits seemed like a good idea at the time. I supported them. But 11 years later, it’s clear it’s not working.
As Sen. Collins has learned in Congress, leadership takes time and we desperately need leadership in the Legislature.
Let’s vote to extend the limits on Nov 6.
This entry was posted on Friday, October 19th, 2007 at 8:49 am and is filed under leadership. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
October 19th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
yeah, I’ve heard over & over again how these junior lads get in there & immediately set to work crafting all manner of legislation…
(mostly worthless)
October 20th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Did you see the some of the 575 bills for this “short” term. Low stakes cribbage? And I normally am impressed with Peter Mills!
October 22nd, 2007 at 10:07 am
“Finley put in two bills at the request of constituents — one would require walkers and joggers to wear reflective vests at night”
Good Heavens…
Some folks just need to be slapped with a big fish…