LYNCH: Term limit benefits

and political circles to be a viable potential candidate for either major political party. Elect-ability and the ability to raise campaign funds from wealthy donors, for themselves and the political party, are factors that are frequently ignored but must be acknowledged.

I would not trade my experience on the Quorum Court for any personal financial gain. The opportunity was unique, but it should, along with all political offices, carry term limits. I even tried to get other Republicans to run against me because it would have prepared others for the experience of politics. Both I and the other person would have gained from the campaign experience and the public would have been given a choice.

It is difficult to actively seek a position unless you are a very serious contestant in the process of running. The campaign may prove the incumbent is worthy of re-election or expose the weakness of the either contestant, but as least the public has a choice. Being “forced out of office” through term limits can help level the playing field with new participants and new ideas. It might even make an otherwise apathetic voter want to seek political office if they don’t face an officeholder who sees the position as a life-time job.

It is my opinion that the loss of experience in a political office is worth the limitations imposed by term limits. Why should we limit the President of the United States to two terms but allow senators virtually unlimited control over their seats as incumbents? The question of course, continues to state and local offices.

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Editor’s note: Leo Lynch, an award-winning columnist, is a native of Benton County and has deep roots in northwest Arkansas. The opinions expressed are those of the author. He is a retired industrial engineer and former Justice of the Peace.