TERM LIMITS

A small group of Californians is trying to stretch the limits of term limits. According to an L. A. Times article, “Special interests with close ties to lawmakers launched a ballot initiative Thursday that would allow current legislators to stay in office up to six years longer than term limits permit.” The new formula is kind of complicated and the article is a long one, but the heart of the issue is contained in the first half of that first sentence: “Special interests with close ties to lawmakers launched a ballot initiative . . . “

In other words, big time campaign contributors have a number of powerful state politicians neatly tucked away in their pockets and don’t want to let them out any sooner than they have to. Interestingly enough, the whole purpose of term limits is to prevent the formation of close ties between special interests and lawmakers.

(whiney voice) “But it takes at least two terms just to get the hang of things. Term limits force lawmakers out just when they’re becoming effective.” All right, fair enough. How about this:
1. Newly elected lawmakers get reduced salaries. Minimum wage would be a good place to start. Full salaries go to “effective” lawmakers only. Some sort of demonstrable standard would have to be established.
2. Issue a copy of “Legislating For Dummys” to each candidate during an election, with a test at the end. If you win the election but don’t pass the test, you lose. If you pass the test but don’t win the election, you lose. If this is just too difficult for you, don’t run.

Term limits were put in place by voters. If we’re not careful, they will be replaced by $pecical interest$.

a foot on either side

Bart Braverman