The October 7th edition of the Times reported the Newburgh City Council would discuss the possibility of 12 year term limits.  Councilman Anthony Grice stated “That’s a long time, and just enough time, for anyone to get their agenda pushed forward. If they can’t do that in 12 years, we need to give other people the opportunity to be a part of this process.”

What a refreshing proposal! Wouldn’t it be great if the elected representatives in Albany and Washington considered such a proposal or put in on the ballot for the citizens of American to decide?

At the Federal level this week the Senate Judiciary Committee is holding hearings to fill the vacant 9th seat on the Supreme Court, a number that has been in tact since 1869.  Eight committee members already have served in the Senate over 12 years. Four have been in the Senate over 20 years. One member has been in the Senate 40 years. Mr. Grice’s statement that 12 years is a long time and “ we need to give other people the opportunity to be a part of this process” surely sounds reasonable and needs to be applied to all our elected representatives.