YES
Ethan Marler, staff writer
Designated term limits for government officials are a necessity if a government is expected to effectively serve its citizens. The office of governor of Texas is in no way exempt from this.
The structure of the United States government was formed around the idea of checks and balances. This structure acknowledges an individual man’s relentless predisposition toward error. Term limits are one of the aforementioned checks.
A lack of term limits promotes the idea that a politician can be irreplaceable, allowing them to become stagnant in office. It is important to keep the political process moving. This allows those with new ideas to have a fair chance to be elected and forces those who would otherwise become lazy in office to remain vigilant.
Unfortunately, many people ignore the need for a term limit to support their personal affinity for a politician currently holding an office. A term limit will dissuade any candidates who are merely seeking the power in the position. If establishing a term limit comes at the cost of a good candidate being forced out of office after a given number of years, it is a price worth paying.
A true civic servant recognizes that there are many areas of government where they can serve. They should be seeking to serve their people, not a more glamorous position.
NO
Erica Drexler, religion editor
Having the opportunity to serve without term limits allows more time for a government official to learn the responsibilities of their office.
Mitchell L. Moss, professor of Urban Policy and Planning at New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service, said, “We diminish elected officials if we don’t give them the time in office to learn about government, to represent their constituents effectively, and to do jobs which require some learning and know-how.”
Not having term limits allows leaders to build stronger rapport with their constituents and legislators and therefore accomplish more while in office.
Term limits do not necessarily prevent politicians from becoming stagnant in office nor is there proof that term limits keep the political process moving smoothly. Ultimately voters have the opportunity to elect a new governor every four years.
Additionally, term limits can discourage worthy candidates from running and cause a lack of continuity within the government because those with the greatest knowledge of the office, and its function, are no longer eligible for office.
There are 11 other states including New York, Mississippi, Georgia and Indiana that do not impose term limits. Texas should remain on that list.
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