The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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September 1, 2010

Oklahomans have chance to limit the terms of lawmakers

Enid News and Eagle

Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to vote for term limits for members of its Legislature.

Now, Oklahomans have a chance to put term limits in place for other elected officials.

That chance will come Nov. 2 when the people vote on State Question 747.

Currently, the only statewide elected official who is affected by term limits is governor, who cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.

If SQ 747 is passed, eight-year limits, or two terms, also would be imposed on lieutenant governor, attorney general, treasurer, labor commissioner, auditor and inspector, superintendent of public instruction and insurance commissioner. For members of Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the limit would be 12 years.

This is something that needs to be done.

The framers of Oklahoma’s Constitution never envisioned our state’s elected officials getting in office and staying there year after year.

The problem with that situation is a person who has been in office for years can become complacent.

Not to mention, they become separated from normal residents and the issues they must confront.

In short, they can lose touch with the day-to-day life the rest of us face.

Eight years is plenty of time for anyone in a statewide elected office to make a mark.

After that time, honestly, it’s good to get fresh ideas and new ways of thinking and looking at things. On Nov. 2, we urge voters to approve SQ 747. It’s time for term limits.

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