Experienced Lawmakers Created the State’s Mess
Re “Old School’s Out,” editorial, Aug. 3: Every time a senior legislator can’t run for office, The Times moans that draconian term limits continue to destroy a great legislative knowledge base. The Times must quietly accept the fact that voters didn’t trust career politicians in 1990 and we don’t trust them now. We feel better off without the tyranny of legislators like Willie Brown and John Burton.
Instead of warning us about the end of experience, civility and respect in the Legislature, The Times would be better to editorialize on how the Legislature should reorganize itself. No junior member should have to bow down to senior members. How can each member have equal influence? How can each fully represent his district?
Voters know that term limits have taken some great talent out of Sacramento, and limits have taken out some royalty as well. Limits dethroned Willie Brown. Many have concluded that greatly talented and experienced legislators drove California into its current mess.
Earl Rand
Los Angeles
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