My take on mayoral term limits
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009
Subject: Mayoral term limits
To: Mark.Ciommo@cityofboston.gov, John.R.Connolly@cityofboston.gov, Michael.F.Flaherty@cityofboston.gov, Stephen.Murphy@cityofboston.gov, Sam.Yoon@cityofboston.gov
Cc: Maureen.Feeney@cityofboston.gov
Today I received an e-mail from the Committee to Elect Sam Yoon suggesting that I contact you regarding term limits for the Mayor of Boston.
While I am a fan and supporter of Mr. Yoon, I believe he is wrong on this issue. Job experience is a good thing. Officeholders who enjoy popular support should not be removed simply so someone else can have a turn. I understand that our campaign system presents high barriers to entry for newcomers, but they are not impenetrably high. A mayor who truly abuses his or her power or whose decisions are bad for the city can and will be removed by the voters.
Had it not been for term limits, the man elected President of the United States in 2000 would likely have been Bill Clinton rather than George W. Bush. Enough said.
David Schrag
