NEW: Lombardi Pushes for Term Limits
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Would voters prefer to have their General Assembly members serve an unlimited number of two-year terms or a capped number of four-year terms?
That’s the question Rep. John J. Lombardi posed before the House today and, if he has his way, voters would make the decision in the state’s next general election.
In legislation submitted to the House today, Lombardi is calling for an amendment to the state’s constitution that would change legislators’ terms and lengths of service. If approved by voters, the change would take effect beginning with the 2016 election.
The Lombardi proposal, a Joint Resolution that is also expected to be introduced in the Senate, has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary for consideration.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“I believe legislators serving two year terms can spend as much as half that time in office running for re-election, rather than concentrating on the people’s business,” Lombardi said. “A four-year term would ensure that legislators spend the vast majority of their time in office working to effect good government and improve the lives of state residents.”
Representative Lombardi said he is proposing a three-term limit for all legislators because “familiarity can breed laziness, a feeling of entitlement or all sorts of attitudes that make some people believe being in office is more important than serving the public while in office.”
“Someone running for office likely has issues he or she wants addressed, legislative goals he or she would like to accomplish,” he said. “A dozen years should be enough time to pursue and achieve those matters. Being a public servant does not mean being a permanent officeholder.”
Lombardi also feels that a more consistent turnover of the legislature will “bring more new, fresh ideas, more often, to the legislative process, from the rank and file members right up through leadership.”
Lombardi’s proposal was co-signed by Rep. Robert Craven, Rep. Joseph Almeida, Rep. Raymond Hull and Rep. Doreen Costa.
