Archive: Opinions

The idea of term limits for elected politicians is not a new one.  Following the unprecedented four terms of President Franklin Roosevelt, Congress introduced and eventually passed an amendment to the United States Constitution limiting the number of times an individual may serve as President. 

The 22nd Amendment imposes a two-term limit on presidential candidates and was established to formalize a tradition George Washington started by refusing to run for a third term in 1796.  The amendment states that no person elected president and no person to hold the office of president for more than two years is allowed to be elected more than once more. It makes no difference whether the two terms are consecutive.

The Presidential term limit serves as a guardian of democracy.  It stands as a safeguard against the establishment of a “presidential dynasty” whereby an individual can be elected to consecutive terms indefinitely.
 
When the founders of this great nation established a representational form of government, they did not envision individuals who would make politics their life long employment.  Those first politicians were farmers, lawyers, inventors, and publishers who thought it their duty to take time off from their work and serve for a period of time in an elected office.  After their term ended, they would return to their homes and continue in their respective line of work. 

Somewhere in history, that notion changed.   The idea of career politicians evolved over time and became a way of life for many.  Politicians at the state and national level benefited from holding onto an elected office by rewarding their constituents with large business contracts and bringing enormous sums of money in the form of “projects” to their districts.

Today, we see the long term affects of career politicians.  Stalemate, gridlock, petty bickering and partisan politics are firmly entrenched in the halls of Congress and state legislatures.  Elected officials, who claim to have our best interests in mind, seem oblivious to the uncertainty of economic, social and educational well-being.

We need look no further than Albany to see career politicians in action.    In our state senate, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle accuse the other of playing politics while neglecting the business of the people.  More of them are removed from office by death or criminal indictment than by being voted out.  Elliot Spitzer, Joe Bruno, David Patterson, Rick Lazio, Hiram Monserrate, and Pedro Espada, Jr are now fodder for late night talk show hosts during their opening monologues. 

Currently, 15 states have imposed term limits on their elected officials in state legislatures including California, Maine, Ohio, Florida and Michigan.  These states have not solved all of their problems, but the turnover in elected officials encourages more individuals, especially women and minorities, to get involved in politics knowing that the incumbents will not have an enduring and unfair advantage with their campaign war chests, special interests and lobbyists.    

New York State needs to implement a new law limiting the number of years elected officials may serve in office.  Those elected officials will understand that they have a finite time period in which to pass legislation and accomplish the work of the people.  Then, after their two terms in office, they can return to their farms, businesses, and workshops where they can resume their real careers. Now that is being patriotic and honoring the constitution.   And that is to the point.  

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