Term Limits
* Re state Sen. Tom Hayden and Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl and the term limits situation that both are in (March 6): Term limits are the worst ruse ever put over on a gullible populace. The state Constitution already specifies the term limits of all offices as two or four years. Of course, many people have been reelected to multiple terms.
The real culprit is a lack of campaign finance laws that would allow competing candidates to run a credible campaign against an incumbent. The system now allows unlimited funds to be raised and spent and even loaned to candidates by other candidates in their party who are able to raise more money than they need. Incumbents have a great advantage in raising funds to remain in office. Many of these legislators do a great job and should be able to remain in office if the electorate says so at the ballot box. The solution is to level the playing field and not allow money to play such a major role in campaigns.
SANFORD DuROFF
Tarzana
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* If there is some way to circumvent the term limits law, you can bet the confirmed politicians will find it. Once they have tasted the succulent morsels of the public trough, they are forever addicted. Without shame they will do anything, even trading down to a lesser position.
BILL L. BURGESS
Arleta
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