Lobbyists Thrive Under Term Limits

Re “Term Limits’ Dark Side,” editorial, Aug. 6: There may be a silver lining to this cloud. Although institutional memory has been lost among Assembly membership and staff, it survives and thrives among lobbyists. It is now the lobbyists who best understand how legislation is formulated and how it is moved through to enactment, and it is they who now can guide the elected officials through the process. The result has been a major shift of power to lobbyists. To the extent that their collective judgments may be superior to those of elected representatives, the public may be better served, although I doubt that this was the intent.

John C. Fisher

Carpinteria

The reason we the people embrace term limits is because we do not believe in lifetime employment in elected office. This country was founded on the concept that citizens would serve “from time to time” in elected offices and then return to their continuing roles as members of the broader electorate.

I just love the fresh winds in the City Council and the school board that have arisen as a result of term limits. Thanks to the people.

Gregory T. Parkos

Venice