Term Limits Are Wrong Solution

Espousing term limits has become the simplistic cure-all by some people concerned with poor government. Joseph E. Irvine’s letter (“3 on Board Wisely Back Term Limits,” June 23) argues that name identity and a war chest scare away credible candidates.

Name identity is a double-edge sword that can expose a poor performer as well. A non-incumbent candidate runs for office on promises and potential. An incumbent runs for reelection on performance.

Campaign reform can help level the playing field (without throwing the baby out with the bathwater) by eliminating post-campaign reserves and tightening contribution limits.

Where do they think all these “money people” will go when an incumbent is kept off the ballot by term limits? They will seek out a new advocate for their cause, providing little relief for the symptom that concerns the term limit proponent.

Even if most negative observations about elected officials are correct, why would rotating them faster help? If the people they represent think they are not doing a good job, then they have the ability to vote them out of office. This point is the very reason why I do not support term limits. Term limits are an arrogant statement that the voters are not smart enough to figure out who is doing a good job and who is not.

I like Thomas Jefferson’s philosophy that a democracy will only work if people stay informed. Term limits are contrary to this great American’s philosophy and treat the symptom, not the disease. The disease is that voters are not informed! Why not? Perhaps they have become cynical regarding public officials and do not believe their vote can make a difference. Two out of three registered voters did not even vote on the recent high-profile Measure R tax increase.

I would like to try something that treats the disease. Specifically political- and campaign-reform rules that deal with areas of abuse and programs that would educate the electorate to allow them to make a more informed decision. (As an elected official, I suppose it could appear that my view on term limits is self-serving. However, if I were trying to endear myself to the voters, I would be much better served to pander to the polls that show most people favor term limits.)

If the voters refuse to be educated, then they will suffer the consequences. “Save the people from themselves” measures such as term limits will not solve the problem.

JOHN J. COLLINS

Councilman

Fountain Valley