PRO-Extension

By Queens City Councilmembers Helen Sears and Leroy Comrie
We have listened carefully to the arguments presented by those both in favor of the bill to extend term limits and those opposed. It is our sincere belief that it is in the best interest of the City of New York to extend term limits from two terms to three. It is clear to us that two terms does not allow for adequate time for an elected official to learn the legislative process and deliver resources to their respective constituents. While some of us are opposed to the idea of term limits altogether, we all agree that the opportunity to serve three terms greatly enhances the ability of public servants to meet their mandate - effective representation.
The argument that this legislation can be amended only through referendum is deliberately incorrect. The Council is given the authority by the City Charter to change it and in fact, we do it frequently by adding new laws and amending old ones.
We heard testimony at last week’s Council hearings from good government groups who admitted that the term-limit referendums of 1993 and 1996 weren’t a fair fight. The role that money plays in winning elections allows for the manipulation of public opinion through mass media and undermines the democratic process.
In addition, voting experts have cited numerous problems with the results of referendums, primarily a lack of voter turnout and insufficient voter education on the issue. In past citywide referendums, we have seen a costly election process where voter turnout was less than a third of the eligible electorate and voters did not fully comprehend policy implications, often voting against their own interests.
It is for this very reason that we have the current system of government, where voters in 51 districts throughout the City have an opportunity to elect public servants from their communities to represent their interests. These representatives are then charged with the mission of practicing due diligence in deliberating and legislating public policy on behalf of the greater citizenry.
Each vote taken by Councilmembers throughout the legislative year has direct impact on their constituents and their own legislative careers. Each vote is a matter of record and each legislator has to ultimately answer to their constituents.
This fundamental concept strikes at the very heart of the idea of term limit legislation because the ultimate power of term limits lie in the hands of voters on Election Day. The so-called power of incumbency is not immune to the ultimate power of the voter. We have seen many instances that if you have not represented the best interests of your constituency, they will vote you out of office.
We know first hand just how much experience matters in the legislative process. When Election Day arrives, voters should have the opportunity to choose the person they believe to be the most qualified candidate to represent them.
Let us be clear, term limits do not simply limit the number of years an elected official may serve; they also limit the number of choices a voter has. Whether voters prefer to keep their current representatives or choose new ones, we should endeavor to ensure they have the opportunity to make that selection.
New Yorkers face tremendous challenges in addressing the economic crisis that currently grips our city, difficult decisions on a nearly $60 billion budget as well as long-term projects and city revenue threatened by the recession, and New Yorkers should have the option of retaining experienced leadership to guide us through these times.