Limiting Terms of Elected Officials

In response to “Let the Voters Determine Tenure,” by Henry J. Hyde, Op-Ed Page, Feb. 6:

Rep. Hyde (R-Ill.) states that incumbents can be defeated if better candidates run better campaigns to “ignite the voters.” I have a great deal of respect for the Illinois congressman and it is unfortunate that he has fallen into the same “out of touch” syndrome as most of his colleagues. He is quick to cite that “only” 20% of House of Representatives members elected before 1974 are still serving, yet he fails to cite how many incumbents are routinely reelected in their districts, regardless of the opposition. The real cause is gerrymandered districts, making it almost impossible for a Democrat to run in a Republican district, and vice versa. Having worked in politics professionally since 1982, I can name dozens of qualified candidates who have not run for either state or federal office simply because of the political power of the incumbency.

In an age where the public’s trust and confidence in our elected officials is at an all time low, the public would be served with limited terms for both the state Legislature and the Congress, just as it is for the President. However, this should be coupled with an extension of the terms for both members of Congress and the state Assembly from 2 to 4 years.

STEVE SWITZER

Phillips Ranch