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That's Debatable: Would Prop. 93 Harm California?
The Republican Party of Orange County regularly solicits the views and news of the state and federal delegation. Please read this week's Op-Ed by California State Assemblymember Van Tran.
For me, the term limits debate is about limiting the influence of special interests in Sacramento. I'm disappointed that the Governor has gone back on his pledge to oppose this effort if it was not tied to redistricting reform. I hope this is not reflective of his resolve to reduce spending without raising taxes to eliminate our budget deficit.
Many of you remember Willie Brown, the longtime Speaker of the Assembly. Speaker Brown was so powerful and beholden to the special interests in Sacramento that he became the poster child for the successful effort to put our current term limits in place.
Under Prop. 93, Assembly terms would be doubled, Senate terms increased by 50% and 42 termed out incumbents could remain in office. Politicians are cynically claiming their initiative is a reduction in terms, but over 80% of legislators would have their time in office greatly increased.
I question if lengthened terms will serve Californians best - will returning to the days of Willie Brown and Jesse Unruh really help elected officials address the needs of our state? Or rather will these lengthened terms further entrench the political establishment and special interests? As legislators, our responsibility is to our constituents - each person cast their vote, so that their voice will be heard in the Capitol. This is what we must be defending and protecting as we work to make California the Golden State once again.
Many of you remember Willie Brown, the longtime Speaker of the Assembly. Speaker Brown was so powerful and beholden to the special interests in Sacramento that he became the poster child for the successful effort to put our current term limits in place.
Under Prop. 93, Assembly terms would be doubled, Senate terms increased by 50% and 42 termed out incumbents could remain in office. Politicians are cynically claiming their initiative is a reduction in terms, but over 80% of legislators would have their time in office greatly increased.
I question if lengthened terms will serve Californians best - will returning to the days of Willie Brown and Jesse Unruh really help elected officials address the needs of our state? Or rather will these lengthened terms further entrench the political establishment and special interests? As legislators, our responsibility is to our constituents - each person cast their vote, so that their voice will be heard in the Capitol. This is what we must be defending and protecting as we work to make California the Golden State once again.
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