PLATFORM : Term Limits Promote Better Government

Mention term limits these days and more than likely you will hear a barrage of comments running the gamut of anger and frustration with the political system in America. The frustration is not limited just to national politics, but trickles down through the state Legislature, county supervisors and even to the level of city councils and school boards.

While many term-limit proponents see an evil demon or incompetent sitting behind each elected office, I think there is a stronger, more logical reason to support reasonable term limits, particularly at the local level: the need for fresh, new ideas to solve problems.

That’s why I brought up more than a year ago the question of a two-consecutive-term limit for the Dana Point City Council. Fortunately, my colleagues on the council agreed with my reasoning and voted unanimously to put the issue on the June, 1992, ballot. By putting the council-sponsored measure on the ballot, we are assured that the law cannot be rescinded by a simple three-vote majority of the council.

As proposed, the Dana Point measure is not a lifetime ban (like Proposition 140 at the state level), but rather a simple, two-term limit. After serving on the council for eight years (a long time by anyone’s standards), the council member must step down for at least two years before running again.

Term limits at the local level is not a new idea. One-third of Orange County’s 31 cities have some form of term limits. All of these cities are functioning well, balancing their budgets, providing fire and police protection and basically improving the quality of life for local residents. As far as I can see, none of them has fallen victim to the “brain drain” threats of those who oppose term limits.

Residents deserve the very best government possible at all levels. Term limits do not prevent that high ideal, but in my mind help promote it. As mayor of a local city, I know the number of hours and hard work that goes into setting policies for a city. Since Dana Point’s incorporation three years ago, our council has invested literally thousands of hours in public meetings, study sessions, workshops and researching issues.

We’ve made some good decisions and we’ve even made some less than good decisions. However, I think one thing that has set Dana Point apart from others is the council’s willingness to tackle tough issues with an open mind. As a new city we haven’t been hamstrung by old traditions.

There is a danger that our openness could change the longer each of us sits on the council. It’s only natural for an elected official to get stale and become less receptive to new ideas the longer one sits at the dais.

Term limits are not the cure-all for many of our problems. They do, however, represent a start.