Term limits put power in the hands of bureaucrats

What is it about term limits that excites us? Why do we need term limits? No matter who's serving in office, voters can boot him out whenever he faces reelection. In a sense, we already have term limits- we can oust the pols whenever we go to the polls.

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors wants to let the public decide on term limits in November 2008.

That may or may not be a good idea.

Sure, nobody wants an American president to serve more than two terms. Eight years is long enough to make your mark on history, no matter how qualified and popular you might be. We're referring, of course, to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the man who caused presidential term limits to come into existence. He won election in 1932 and was reelected in '36, '40 and '44. He probably would have won again in 1948 if he hadn't died. That's when it was decided that American presidents should serve no more than two four-year terms.

Term limits are popular for one reason alone. It's because we don't like the other incumbents. Other districts keep reelecting politicians we don't like.

It's not because we're anti-incumbent at home, that's for sure. Congressman Elton Gallegly, for example, will never lose an election, his district is so heavily skewed in favor of the GOP.

Similarly, don't expect U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles) to be ousted anytime soon, and for the very same reason; his is a safe district for Democrats.

Let's face it: We just don't like the "other guys."

If the majority of voters here are happy with Linda Parks or Frank Schillo serving on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, how do term limits benefit the people? Why should anyone be forced out of office if she or he is doing a good job for their constituents?

If the supervisors are limited to two terms, it will only strengthen the power of bureaucrats in county government. Top administrators might get the attitude "Why should I care about the supervisors? They come and go, but I am here forever."

Some people might not like Supervisor John Flynn, but his district keeps returning him to office again and again.

Term limits aren't all they're cracked up to be. They diminish the power of elected officials.

The people can get rid of incumbents on election days. If somebody is really incompetent, we can sign petitions and call for a recall election.

Unless you like bureaucrats, term limits are a bad idea.