The Editor,
Will term limits fix some of the frustrations Richmond voters are feeling? Many are questioning if councillors are becoming too comfortable in office for extended periods. Others may be wondering if long-term councillors are complacent and failing to raise new ideas or encourage important debate on key issues. Some suggest term limits, which would restrict councillors to a pre-determined number of terms in office or total years, as the way to fix local government.
One of the arguments against term limits suggest the community may lose its most experienced councillors as a result. Others say we loose “institutional memory”, or the “glue” that keeps council functioning effectively. It’s suggested that policy making will suffer from a lack of careful deliberation and compromise as city bureaucrats would run institutional rings around the rookie councillors.
On the other hand, there are several reasons why term limits are thought to be an effective means to improving the functioning of local government. Some research indicates it’s simply more competitive; more candidates will step forward to run for election. Secondly, incumbents or those seeking re-election have a huge fundraising advantage and possess an equally large advantage in name identification. Needing proof of this in Richmond, look no further than the Mayor’s announced $165,000 election fund which by its very presence likely discourages mayoral candidates from stepping forward. Finally, it’s suggested that term limits weaken the relationship between career politicians and special-interest groups, helping to preserve a more democratic process.
The chance that incumbent Richmond councillors would endorse a motion for term limits is zero for obvious reasons, and any such law would likely violate the Canadian Charter of Rights. Does that need to be the end of it? No, how about those seeking the position of councillor this Nov. 15 start re-building trust with dis-enchanted voters. No need for new laws, simply show personal leadership by declaring a self-imposed limit. Maybe then trust with voters can start to be rebuilt. Just a thought, but a least a fresh one!
When comments are made like, “civic elections are a sham” the depth of the confidence lost should be clear to many. Maybe term limits aren’t the complete answer, but people like Alberta PC Leader Jim Prentice believe it has enough value to commit a future government of his to MLAs having a three term limit.
Jerome Dickey
Richmond
