Letters: Change terms of office
December 5, 2012 7:54PM
Updated: January 7, 2013 6:14AM
I read that the just ended elections cost candidates and donors $8 (billion) to $10 billion. While some running for office have the bucks, most (both Democrats and the GOP) relied on outside sources.
While this begs the question as to the motivation of the donors in backing some candidates over others (I’ll leave the political arguments to the talking heads on TV), here’s a way to save some money for all concerned. Change the maximum term of our presidents from four to six years, and limit it to one term. Now fundraising costs are cut in half. The winner won’t work for two years and start campaigning in the second half of his term.
What we’ll get is a leader who’ll spend 100 percent of his term working for us.
Another thought: Have the presidential race held on odd years and Congressional and Senate races on even years. This would end the coattail effect and increase the quality of our legislative representatives.
And, if the voters don’t like the direction our national leader is taking us that first year, they can put into office congressmen and senators more in tune with the voters.
Norm Beaton
Lockport
Demand good government
I am writing because my organization needs the support of the people of Will County. There are certain things going on in our government that must be corrected. We are asking for the support of Will County voters to demand the reform of the Illinois pension system, and do it now.
Our politicians refuse to repair this financial disaster-in-progress. If politicians will not do their jobs, I am asking that the public start a phone campaign, asking why they won’t do anything. The sooner the adjustments are implemented, the less pain there will be financially. Otherwise, the system eventually goes bankrupt.
A list of or state politicians should be published, and organized citizens should start the process of pressuring politicians into doing their job. Phones could be manned by business groups, college students from the area, church groups, homeowners groups and any citizens who care about good government.
This will let our “do-nothing” politicians know that we demand they do their job or resign. We must demand good government. This is just the beginning.
Tom Walsh
Joliet
Good way to track illegals
We would all benefit from licensing illegals so they can get insurance in the event they get in an accident.
It’s also a good way to locate all illegal immigrants. Include on the license if they are a citizen or noncitizen and have documentation or no documentation.
Thomas Cechner
Lockport
Send bill to China
I just have a comment on an article that was in the Nov. 28 issue of The Herald- News, concerning the trucks that are damaging Walter Strawn Drive, which is closed in the Elwood area.
Well, most of those trucks are carrying merchandise from China, so I think we need to tax them (China) for use and repair of the roads they are damaging, give our citizens a break tax-wise.
Don’t you think?
Angie Davies
New Lenox
