Good Mornin’! Good Mornin’!
Term Limits, yes, please!
We’ve got a new Congress and at some point they’ll figure out who the leaders are on each side of the aisle. And they’ll get something done? I’m not holding my breath or making any bets. But sure, lots of prayers. Yes, really.
I think we forget to pray for our leaders. From family on up. We all have to make tough and complex decisions that affect others. Wisdom from The Almighty comes in mighty handy when you don’t have any of your own to dispense. Mayors, supervisors, aldermen and women, business leaders, city, county, state and federal folks who got the most votes all need to be held up in prayer and not just a “bless their heart” murmur.
I’m on my condo board. Somehow enough folks put their faith in me to help make good decisions to lead the way for a 350-unit association. I’ve been on the board two years then got re-elected for a four year term. One thing I’m getting behind is term limits. Get folks in and let them do their job for a certain amount of time. But I work in a deadline world so that is more appealing. I have to fix the x and y problems and get neighbor A to stop putting trash out early. Ok, I’m in till April of 2025 and I’m on it.
But what do you do if you get say an Andy Taylor as sheriff, then let’s give him a bit more time? That goes against my main point. Term Limits – let’s put them in place on every level. The good folks will find a way or another elected position to offer input and help. I firmly believe that District 2 could benefit from a fresh face providing leadership there. Two terms should be plenty. If you can’t get enough done or anything done in that time frame, then move along and find another paycheck somewhere else.
Folks may argue that it takes time to learn how government works and figuring out how to maneuver in DC or Jackson can be complex and such. Then government has lost its purpose. You get voted in by the majority of folks to go and help those folks on a city, county, state or federal level. You listen to your constituents and vote for them. Not for yourself or how some industry tells you to vote and they reward you in some way.
I realize that sounds silly. Money talks and the other stuff walks as they say. As long as big business and causes are throwing around big money then fat cats in Washington and Jackson and elsewhere will reign supreme and we’ll be left high and dry or actually low and flooded. #finishthepumps, please.
A Mississippi College professor, Godfrey Garner, attempted to get the term limits issue on the ballot but fell short in his efforts this past year. His proposed ballot summary stated, “Initiative Measure Number 75 seeks to amend the Mississippi Constitution to limit appointed and elected state and local officials, United States Representatives, and United States Senators to two successive terms in office. Service prior to January 1, 2021, would not be counted when determining the number of successive terms served by United States Representatives and United States Senators.”
It still gives those in office extended time but over time it would even out and flush out Washington and Jackson, at least of Mississippi politicians.
Term limits, yes. Just get the job done and come home.
