Mr. DeWeese, make term limits your legacy

To state Rep. Bill DeWeese: We all thank you sincerely for your service to the public. You have done many wonderful things for Pennsylvanians while in office, but you've done quite enough now. I agree with the Post-Gazette's assessment that it's time for you -- and career politicians like you -- to go away ("Cloud Over the House: The Democrats Should Have Removed DeWeese," March 22 editorial).

We amended our U.S. Constitution so that no president could serve more than two terms of four years each. Every political position in America should have term limits.

Would you like to be remembered for decades to come? Before you leave office, sponsor (and pass) a bill that does the following:

1. Limits public service to one term of six years. That way, politicians don't have to waste time begging for money for a re-election campaign. Think how many more wonderful things you could get done for your constituents with all that extra time!

2. Restricts former public servants from working in other public service positions, or organizations doing business with government, for a minimum of 10 years after the end of their term. This will allow time for former public servants to reacquaint themselves with their old line of work or to establish themselves in a new career field.

3. Requires that all persons running for office use their own money to pay for campaigns. I know, only the wealthy will run for office. But isn't it the wealthy who pay to get their favorite candidates elected anyway?

Finally, it is arrogant to think that only you have the best ideas for helping our fellow Pennsylvanians. There are plenty of other smart, creative people in our state who could make a positive contribution -- if given the chance.

 

BILL McGRANE
Mt. Lebanon