Taking sides on term limits

Re “Change term limits,” editorial, Jan. 21

Like Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Times was against Proposition 93 before it was for the measure. In the Sept. 14, 2007, editorial “Spoiled brats,” The Times accused lawmakers, including Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, of having pulled “another nasty redistricting prank on voters.” It was then that Schwarzenegger declared that he would not endorse any term-limit modification measure without a redistricting reform measure. The Times’ editorial concluded by saying, “We’ll have to wait until February, when term limits are on the ballot but redistricting is not, to see whether voters fall for it.”

It is exactly this type of duplicity -- as displayed by Schwarzenegger, Nunez, Perata and The Times -- that breeds greater public distrust of our political and journalistic institutions. Voters should vehemently denounce this deception by voting no on Proposition 93.

Jim Redhead

San Diego

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If both our governor and president are limited to two four-year terms, it makes absolutely no sense to give state assemblymen and senators more time than that. Lobbyists have much more direct contact with legislators than they do with either the governor or the president. The more time spent in office, the more chance for corruption.

Perata is already under investigation, and Nunez continues to line his pockets with “donations.” We have seen how Nunez uses these donations, buying expensive wine and staying at extravagant hotels. The jury is still out on Perata.

We need the enthusiasm and fresh ideas of newcomers before they are influenced by special interests. I will vote no on Proposition 93.

Bill Wallace

Corona

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I agree entirely with the editorial supporting Proposition 93. Actually, The Times may not have gone far enough. Maybe 16 years would be better. Politicians are not the brightest crayons in the box.

Steven L. Rice

Thousand Oaks

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I am surprised by The Times’ tortured rationale in support of Proposition 93. To allow self-serving politicians such as Nunez and Perata to escape their term limits for the greater long-term good is a poor compromise.

Another initiative can be proposed without the benefits awarded to undeserving existing legislators. Politicians who use underhanded means to achieve a personal objective will not hesitate to use them again when the time arises.

Gary A. Robb

Los Feliz