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this post was submitted on 30 Aug 2023
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politics
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Term limits, please.
Age limits, absolutely. I have very mixed feelings on term limits.
I live in Michigan, which has term limits in place for state government. The original limits were kind of silly. We recently approved a reform that changed the term limits for state legislators from three 2-year terms (6 years) in the state House and two 4-year terms (8 years) in the state Senate to 12 combined years in the Legislature, and requires a lot more disclosures.
The original limits resulted in many freshmen each election cycle. This seemed to open the door even wider to have special interests legislate by proxy since a lot of newcomers didn't always come in with very well formed agendas or know how to get anything done.
That aside, it seems like term limits make it harder for Jane/Joe Public to assume public office. It's true that being a politician isn't a certain career path, but what motive would I have to run if it meant quitting my current job knowing I would have to find a new job in 12 years assuming I managed to constantly win relection? Yeah, sessions only happen three days a week / ~115 days a year for our state Senate but it's not like I could easily work another job. Salarys are $72k a year, which will be attractive to some but will put off a lot lot of folks the private sector. The salary won't put off those who already have a high net worth though. Looking at the federal level the salary does go up to $174k, but the cap on the time you're allowed to serve would likely result in a lot of self-selection.
I see your point, but I'd make the opposite argument. Serving in Congress or a state legislature should never be confused with a career. Keeping salaries low, makes it easier to move on. Still enough to live while you serve.
Also, I personally couldn't even imagine being in the same job for 12 years. Having to find a new job in 12 years or less is something most people have to do and do willingly and even joyfully.
valid points raised, but I have to say if someone manages to stay elected for 12 years you would think they are somewhat competant and able to find a job post-politics without too much trouble
He's been a Senator since 1985. 38 years. 6 terms and counting.
Senators should probably be capped at 2 terms, 12 years total. That's plenty. Equivalent to 6 Congressional terms or 3 Presidential terms.
The problem is, to do this right requires a constitutional amendment.
I mean as a career goes, that's about right for a lifetime career though. The problem is that he got into that position when he was almost 50. Additionally, if you take in his whole political career he is WAY over the limit. The age is the biggest problem here though, the man was born when Hitler was still a threat. He came into office before the Berlin wall fell. He's well past his expiration date as far as that goes.
Yeah, I'm not sure how I'd phrase it for a term limit, but you probably shouldn't be able to serve in more than 2 consecutive decades.
Sworn in in the 80s? Congrats, you're done in the 90s.
The idea that someone could serve in the 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s and 20s is absurd.