Term Limits

Representative Sharon Tyler (R) Niles, has introduced
a bill to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot
for the next general election that could allow the doubling
of the number of terms that Michigan legislators can
serve. (House Joint Resolution C.)

Currently the limits are 3 terms (6 years) for state
representatives and 2 terms (8 years) for state senators.

The measure is cosponsored by Reps. Greg MacMaster,
Peter MacGregor, Al Pscholka, Matt Lori, Kevin Cotter,
Kenneth Kurtz, Mike Shirkey, Mike Callton, Ken Yonker,
Gail Haines, Hugh D. Crawford, Kurt Damrow, and
Wayne A. Schmidt, all Republicans. There's one list
of "must replace immediately" politicians to be ousted
at the first opportunity.

It looks as though the Tea Party message of the last
election was not received by these legislators. In 1992,
Proposal B that imposes the term limits, was passed by
58.7 percent of the voters. What the public wants is
representation by fresh faces, eager to do the best for
their constituents, rather than prototypical jaded career
politicians who eventually burn out and become more
apt to see to their personal interests than those of the
people.

This philosophy should expand to local governments in
Michigan as well.

The Soviet period philosophy had "people's judges"
appointed a year at a time for much the same reasons.
They did not want the judiciary becoming complacent
in their positions and amassing any significant personal
prestige and power. Common sense prevailed. The
understandings of their rule of law translated succinctly
in the courtroom absent all the superfluous technicalities
we are experiencing in the US today.

Nobody ever made the mistake of claiming that the
soviets were stupid. In this they appear to have been
much smarter than we are. We have only to look at the
incestuous relationships between the various political
bodies in Iron County to understand the dangers of
allowing a small group to run local government over
long periods of time.

We, as a people, should establish term limits for every
elected office in the state.

Bill Vajk