Term Limits For Candidates: What's Your Opinion?

LONG ISLAND, NY —The question of term limits was raised at a recent Southold Town Candidates' forum, and sparked the discussion across the board: What do you think of term limits?

At the forum, where Republican incumbent Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell — who was elected to a two year term in 2005 and has served three four years terms — faced off with challenger and Democrat Greg Doroski.

When asked by the audience what the candidates thought of term limits, Doroski said: "I do not think long-term incumbency serves the public interest. We've all had the experience where we try to solve a problem and just can't figure it out and then someone new comes along. We could use another perspective — 14 years of any one administration is enough. It's time for a new generation of leadership. It's time to turn the page and have term limits in Southold Town."

Russell said challengers looking to unseat incumbents are always going to agree with term limits.

"I didn’t call myself a czar. I came before the community and asked for your support and spent every day in my office trying to earn that position," Russell said. "The public has the right to decide." Term limits, he said, are artificial deadlines. "I don’t believe in legacies. When I feel like my work is done, I will go. I still have something to offer. Experience isn't a bad thing."

GOP Southold Town Councilwoman Jill Doherty, seeking her third term, said, quoting Russell, "We do have term limits. It's called the voter box." She added: "We don't give ourselves these positions. We are elected. You get to choose."

Bob Hanlon, a Democrat, said he's served on a number of board and almost any has term limits, "for good reason. I think town government is similar. There isn't a need for a dynasty or legacies; we don't have the level of projects that so need continuity. A two-term limit for all positions in town makes sense."

Republican Councilman Bill Ruland, seeking re-election for his third term, said he does not believe in term limits. "The voters determine the term limit. This is the backbone of our country and in our town. People who possess leadership qualities and knowledge shouldn't be penalized. It's up to the voters. We serve at the will of the people."

Challenger Sarah Nappa, a Democrat, said she agrees with term limits, not "long-term incumbency or career politicians. We need to bring people in this community who have life experience, valuable careers, who understand the issues and want to be involved. When you have more opinions and fresh ideas you get more work done. I feel this administration is complacent. I am not complacent."

Do you agree with term limits? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments.