TERM LIMITS WILL RETURN ACCOUNTABILITY TO PEOPLE

On Nov. 3, voters will consider two constitutional amendments that would limit the terms of state and U.S. legislators. We urge approval of these measures. We don't relish this decision. However, we feel it's the only way for the public to regain accountability of our public policymakers.

Amendment 12 would prohibit a person from serving more than eight years in the state House and Senate, for a total of 16 years in the legislature. Amendment 13 would restrict Missouri's U.S. senators from serving more than two terms (12-year limit) and U.S. representatives from serving more than four terms (8-year limit). Neither amendment would carry a cost to voters or government.

Prior service of legislators won't count toward the limit at either the state or federal levels. If approved, the eight-year limit in Missouri would begin in November. The federal limits would start only after one-half of the states enact term limits for their members of Congress. The national effort received a boost in April when the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a California court ruling that said term limits do not violate the constitutional rights of legislators or voters. Missouri's measure was placed on the ballot through initiative petition.

We need fresh ideas in Washington and Jefferson City. We also need a way to turn over long-time committee chairpersons who yield unbelievable power. The system depends too much on seniority instead of merit of ideas.

Term limits will work. The office of governor in Missouri is a good example of the work that can be accomplished with just eight years in office. The office of the presidency was limited to two terms in 1951 to prevent a single person from flexing too much power. There's no reason legislators can't operate within the same constraints.

Many career legislators don't like term limits. They say accountability is already in place through general elections. But the fact is most incumbents amass large war chests to wage slick campaigns. Newcomers have a hard time breaking in unless they have a fortune to spend. Career politicians also devote entirely too much time toward getting elected, instead of getting results. Members of Congress must raise thousands of dollars each week to finance their re-election campaigns. Given that atmosphere, it's hard for career politicians not to cater to the special interests.

It's been said campaign finance reform would be a better alternative. That may be true, but it hasn't happened. Legislators claim that experience translates into expertise. Frankly, lackluster legislatures call this competency theory into question.

Term limits are not an ideal solution. But they are the only viable way frustrated citizens now have to break governmental gridlock. We urge voters to say "Yes" on both Amendments 12 and 13.