Term Limits on a local level? (Buffalo: appointed, buy, residential)
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Since the first time I heard this idea about 15 years ago, I wonder how well off the Buffalo/Erie County area would be if we hadn't had so many career politicians.
Would our City & County be under seperate control boards if we had a steadily changing election process?
What if all local offices (city/town councils) were set at a 4 year term, and any person can't serve more than two terms (8 years) for that particular seat, but has opportunity to run election for a "higher" office, serving the same time though?
One term (4 years) for the elected official is good enough, however, she/he can be allowed to run again after the four years of separation.
My proposal is based on CMA -Comparative Market Analysis.
The better/higher competition we have, the better off our city, county, and country will be. Besides, competition for power is incouraging around the world. It's comes naturally.
Competition for power without restrictions/regulations becomes corrupted. Politicians can easy buy votes. It's a regular ritual for some.
My way of thinking is that elections are term limits.
The problem is not that there are career politicians, the problem is that there are too many uninvolved, unaware, non-participatory people/voters.
As an involved, aware, participating voter, are you going to say the reason why things are the way they are is because of the way the individual person votes (even if we've voted against the career politicians)?
One term (4 years) for the elected official is good enough, however, she/he can be allowed to run again after the four years of separation.
My proposal is based on CMA -Comparative Market Analysis.
The better/higher competition we have, the better off our city, county, and country will be. Besides, competition for power is incouraging around the world. It's comes naturally.
Competition for power without restrictions/regulations becomes corrupted. Politicians can easy buy votes. It's a regular ritual for some.
2 consecutive (4 year) terms work well, like a Presidency. A person has been 8 years to accomplish what's needed within their office. Having a limited time to put forth what's best, I believe, will prevent internal political cronism. (That being the "if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" politicans) How many times have you been to a public meeting where a "we're working together" statement has been made?
My area has had 4 councilpersons within 5 years, due to a general election, a resignation, an appointed person & a "special election". While that seems like a lot (since City of Buffalo Common Council is now a 4 year term), the last three made bigger accomplishments in a shorter time than other individual council who were elected to (what used to be) 4 two-year terms.
As an involved, aware, participating voter, are you going to say the reason why things are the way they are is because of the way the individual person votes (even if we've voted against the career politicians)?
Individuals like us who are aware/involved are too few.
I don't know what it's like in your area but in mine, voter turn out is low, many vote for the candidate that they've met one time (not on what the candidate stands for), many are unaware of what the candidate stands for, and many are one issue voters. In the recent presidential primary, local elections were rolled in and the exit polls showed that many did not even vote for the local candidates. Many candidates retained their positions simply because they were the incumbent and nobody was running against them.
The way I see it - democracy requires active participation. If we have that, there would be no need for term limits, we would simply vote out the person whom we think is not doing a good job.
Individuals like us who are aware/involved are too few.
I don't know what it's like in your area but in mine, voter turn out is low, many vote for the candidate that they've met one time (not on what the candidate stands for), many are unaware of what the candidate stands for, and many are one issue voters. In the recent presidential primary, local elections were rolled in and the exit polls showed that many did not even vote for the local candidates. Many candidates retained their positions simply because they were the incumbent and nobody was running against them.
The way I see it - democracy requires active participation. If we have that, there would be no need for term limits, we would simply vote out the person whom we think is not doing a good job.
I hear what you're saying. What could/should we do in trying to get a higher voter turn out at a local level (council/legislature)?
I hear what you're saying. What could/should we do in trying to get a higher voter turn out at a local level (council/legislature)?
Become a public voice. Don't be affraid to express your viewpoints/opinions in public places. Watch for reaction and count supporters. Be a leader.
On a local level, start with a local issue and get support from neighbors, freinds and family members. Create a chain. Let them start talking about you and LOCAL issues. But first, become an issue expert. Do your homework: research as much as possible about the topic: what, when, where, who, why and how. Know the topic's history -who else was working on this issue before (try to answer the same questions/research). This way you became not only the issue/topic exprert; you'll become a consultant and concern citizen/activist.
Start with one issue one step at a time and with as many supporters as possible.
Think smart. Make a difference (if you want too). It's up to you -make a choice. In or out?
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CMA comes naturally
local leadership
