Term Limits in Redondo Beach

Re: term limits.

In 1975 the citizens of Redondo Beach voted overwhelmingly for a two-term limit for the offices of mayor and City Council.

Reasons given at that time for this vote included the actions of longtime politicians signing long-term leases with special interests in the pier and Harbor area which put the city at a distinct disadvantage.

The concept of term limitations has grown in popularity with voters over the entire country. In November, California voters approved statewide term limitations for elected officials in the state of California.

Campaign disclosure statements by candidates in past elections reveal that contributions by special interest groups helped put candidates in office who they felt would favor them, and (the lack of a) two-term limit has in the past and would in the future result in perpetuating these people in office, making it almost impossible for new and capable people with less financial backing to be elected.

Councilman (Ron) Cawdrey lists Gordon McRae, executive vice president of the Redondo Beach Marina, and Steve Shoemaker, operator of the Fun Factory, a video games arcade located on the lower parking level, adjacent to the pier and the International Board Walk, as donors to the financing of his appeal, but so far has declined to release a full list of donors, as required by the state Fair Political Practices Commission.

City Atty. Gordon Phillips’ opinion that Mr. Cawdrey could not seek a third term and City Clerk John Oliver’s refusal to accept his nomination papers were correct decisions.

Councilman Cawdrey states he will sue the city for not accepting his nomination papers. How much will this cost the taxpayers?

The public’s need for confidence in elected officials far outweighs any advantage of experience in office.

Mr. Cawdrey should quit while he’s ahead.

MARVIN (BUD) MORAN

Redondo Beach