Although the majority of Maui residents like the selection of the present County Council members, it is no reason to allow the proposed charter amendments on term limits to be passed. Serving on the council is an honor and a great contribution of personal goodwill. However, it is not a perpetual job or a home for a career politician.
Maui County needs new ideas and fresh thinking and the continuous rejuvenation of energy and political positions to be relevant and to stay current with changing times. New thinking that directs Maui's growth and viability for the present as well as future times is much more important than seeing the same old faces with the same old biases and opinions.
We are certainly all tired of two-year political terms with resultant continuous ugly signs blighting our island, and silly sign waving. Two four-year terms would certainly give any council member a long time period to work for the county. Anything more than that defeats the purpose of an election and a democracy.
In addition, once eight years are served, the termed-out council person is forever termed out. We need fresh ideas and new thinking.
Ray Phillips
Kihei
