Yes on Term-Limits Measure

At the end of last year, the Orange County Annual Survey at UC Irvine concluded what every armchair social scientist already knew: People mistrusted county government. One of the things the voters wanted was term limits for county supervisors.

Later, in March, a term-limits provision that was folded into the county charter proposal went down to defeat. However, the term-limits concept has durable appeal. The Legislature has given the so-called general-law cities authority to enact such limits, and this year they have turned up on a number of ballots.

The Nov. 5 general election has a stand-alone term-limits proposal for the county supervisors. There also are separate proposals for the city councils of Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, La Palma and Orange. Yorba Linda has two separate ballot measures on the question.

The county’s Measure A would limit the number of consecutive four-year terms to two, starting with terms commencing next Jan. 1. A supervisor would not be subject to a lifetime ban.

Opponents say that term limits inhibit freedom to choose one’s representative, and they make the sound observation that term limits cannot by themselves deliver good government. An informed electorate and meaningful campaign finance reform are needed.

True enough. However, proponents convincingly argue for Measure A not as a cure-all but as a pragmatic step toward addressing the enormous power of incumbency. They say term limits would be one important component in restoring public confidence.

The Times, while recognizing that term limits are not a bromide for all that ails government, generally finds them acceptable if voters wish to enact them. Accordingly, we support Measure A at the county level and the following measures in the cities:

In Buena Park, Measure E. It prohibits council members from serving more than three consecutive terms but allows eligibility after a break in service of one year. Voters approved an advisory term-limits measure in 1994.

In Costa Mesa, Measure F. It limits council members to two consecutive four-year terms.

In Dana Point, Measure H. It limits council members to two consecutive terms.

In Laguna Niguel, Measure N. It limits council members to two consecutive terms but allows eligibility after at least two years.

In La Palma, Measure O. Voters approved a two-term limit in 1982, but it was overturned. Because of enabling state legislation, Measure O has been put forward. It limits council members to two consecutive terms. They could serve again after sitting out four years.

In Orange, Measure R. It limits council members to two consecutive four-year terms and the elected mayor to three consecutive two-year terms.

In Yorba Linda, Measures S & T. The first sets a lifetime limit of three terms on council members; the other limits council members to two consecutive terms, but with no limit on the total number of terms. If both are approved, the one with the most votes wins.