Buffalo Common Council member Joseph Golombek Jr. filed a resolution asking for a study to be conducted on the merits of term limits for city offices, according to the Oct. 12 issue of the Buffalo News. Term limits in the council would be a step toward eliminating what Golombek deems to be "political dynasties." The advantages of such a policy go far in terms of attracting different types of politicians through reversing stagnancy in public office and public dialogue, and focusing those in elected positions on issues that are important to their constituency, not their careers.
Golombek pointed out that three of the last four mayors of Buffalo have served at least three terms and the office of Common Council President has been held by only three individuals in almost 30 years. These "political dynasties" are more than a buzzword, mere conjecture or political maneuvering. Common Council President James W. Pitts has been in the council since 1977, and Mayor Anthony M. Massiello has held office since 1994, actually running unopposed since that time. Of those currently sitting on the council, many have spent at least 10 years in their positions, according to the News. The mayor's response to Golombek's request was positive, asking only that all 15 elected offices be included in the study, not just the mayoral office. His request is a valid one; the office of mayor is not the only position available and attractive to those seeking a life in politics.
These individuals fall into the category of "career politicians," people who go into public service as a primary source of income, notoriety and power. The truth is that a different mindset exists for the career politician than for a true public servant. Public service in America did not begin as a career; George Washington was a reluctant first president, one who would have rather been home on his Mount Vernon farm than in Philadelphia. The norm in American politics, in the beginning, was to serve the state for a few years and then retire to one's primary profession. Today, politicians remain in office for as long as they can, often for decades. The career politician is more often concerned with being reelected than he or she is with crafting policy beneficial to the greater good of the public. Statements made by these politicians never stray from what their electoral map will permit. While that might suggest accountability and adherence to the politician's constituents, reality would suggest that it is simply their attempt at mollifying as many people as possible.
This leads to watered-down policy, ineffectual leadership and poor vision. In a city like Buffalo, vision is crucial. Too often, a lack of vision degenerates into public fiascoes, of which Buffalo has had many. Term limits create a sense of urgency, of forced vision, both of which necessarily lead to immediate results. No longer may a politician set into place a 15-year plan and seek reelection on the basis of seeing that plan to fruition. Instead, action and results are needed. The incumbency creates such an advantage that the electorate will not often vote out an ineffectual public servant; this propagates term after term, creating less-than-dynamic leadership and politicians who take their positions for granted.
Perpetual incumbency is not the answer for Buffalo. The field of politics often garners a reputation as being stale and slow. Should a system be set up that rewards an expedited political process, those who benefit most from public policy will likely feel tangible output.
The members of the Buffalo city government, if they cannot control themselves, should be restrained from turning the city into their permanent office. New people are needed, because with new people come new ideas. The old ideas for Buffalo have paved the way to a staggering loss of population, loss of jobs and loss of spirit. New blood in City Hall may very well be what helps Buffalo turn the corner.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
