Henry Raymond

Fairfax News => Political Issues/Comments => Topic started by: fletchtb on April 16, 2008, 03:22:10 PM

Title: 4-year Terms for Statewide Elected Offices
Post by: fletchtb on April 16, 2008, 03:22:10 PM
All,

I read today that the Vermont Senate Government Operations Committee rejected by a 3-2 vote allowing the state senate to vote on whether or not to consider 4-year terms for state offices like Governor, Lt. Governor, etc...

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080416/NEWS01/804160356/1002/NEWS01 (http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080416/NEWS01/804160356/1002/NEWS01)

I for one was dissappointed. I think it is kind of silly that all of these people have to run for reelection every other year, when it is so rare for an incumbent in this state to lose their position. I guess that makes me a "policy wonk" according to Senator White.

Anyone know what Gov. Dean and the Democrats' reasoning is for keeping the two year terms? Does anyone else care about this topic?

Title: Re: 4-year Terms for Statewide Elected Offices
Post by: Loctavious on April 17, 2008, 01:01:09 PM
At topical glance, and not reading that article you provided a link to, i'd have said makes sense to have 4 year terms for the very reasons offered in support of it.

But, i'd like to see ALL the reasoning behind why folks oppose it.  I don't feel the article provided offered enough of the otherside for ANYONE to make an educated opinion, much less a non-partisaned one.  The little info offered on the opposing side DID cite 1 important reason - which was that the legislature was out of sesson for 7-8 months of the year.  That alone woudl constitue and imbalance of power - we have different branches of govenrment specifically to ensure the overall voice of the citizens, traditional law, and modern interpretation of the law aren't trumped enroute to what, in reality may be a small fraction of the many, may seem as appropriate.

I'd be interested in seeing ALL 'opposing' and 'in support of' arguments are before i decided - wouldn't everyone?