Letters to the Editor

+ Enforce Sarasota’s eight-year term limits
Dear Editor:
In 1998, Sarasota County voters approved by 68% an eight-year term limit for the County Commission. Currently, the Florida Supreme Court is reviewing the fourth DCA case, and it looks like it will be upheld. All other nine charter counties in the state are upholding the law, except Sarasota County. Now, the commission is proposing a new 12-year term limit with a new 12-year grandfathering period for the Florida primary Jan. 31. Polls show the eight-year limits are popular with the voters. The will of the people should prevail! I say we keep and enforce Sarasota’s voter-approved eight-year term limits! More time in public office only breeds powerful, greedy and corrupted politicians.
Millicent Puleo
Sarasota

+ Absolute power corrupts
Dear Editor:
As a fellow elected official and member of the Sarasota County’s Charter Review Board, I am shocked that the commissioners would even consider thwarting the will of the people and extending their terms in office by up to another 12 years with their new term limit proposal.

I guess the commissioners feel they are too important and, therefore, should not obey the current charter amendment that already sets in place an eight-year term limit.  Also, sneaky rascals that they are, they want this new term-extending amendment to be placed on the ballot for a special election in January, knowing full well the turnout will be light and their chances of victory greater.
It seems, indeed, that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Stefan Butz
Charter Review Board District 1