In a land, not so very far away, there lived good people. Life was good in the land and people from all over the world came to share in the freedom and opportunity the land afforded to all.

Of course things weren’t perfect – they never are – but the society grew and prospered. It was known the world over for its bright lights, its flair, and its magic.
To the people who lived there, it was the best place on earth.

Now the schools weren’t all that good. The quality of life was improving but still had some way to go. Opportunity, it was there, but you had to pursue it. There was magic, but magic requires hard work.

But the place was economically vibrant – it was the business center of the universe.

The place was culturally alive – it was the cultural capital of the world.

And yes, freedom did ring.

It sure sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

Democracy works and this land, not so very far away, proved it like no other place on earth ever did.

And the people, they were hard working and wise. They came from every other place on earth to find their dream and live in freedom.

And in their wisdom the people passed a law – they voted, and by a clear majority passed it.

And their elected officials said, “no you didn’t really mean that” – and so three years later they voted again and passed it again.

The law was pretty simple – it eliminated a career in their land as a local elected official.

Two consecutive terms – later defined to be 8 years – was all a person could stand for election to an office. The people didn’t want a permanent government.

And those in office cried, “The Sky Will Fall” as they plotted to overthrow the will of the people. And for a moment there was ugliness in this wonderful land -- not so very far away. But the people and those who watched government held strong and the ugliness subsided and the law stood.

And a new group of bright, capable elected officials was voted into office.

And the sky didn’t fall.

And government did well – very well indeed with this new group. And the land prospered.

And four years passed and as to be expected, those who were elected before were elected again because that’s just how it happens. Without indictment, sexual harassment or crime, officials in that land were always re-elected.
And as they faced their second and final term, this new bright, capable group forgot why they were there in the first place.

They forgot that the land is governed by the people. They forgot that the people in their wisdom did not want career elected officials. They conveniently forgot that the people voted twice and after eight years elected officials could not run for election to their office again.

They forgot that government derives its power from the people. And that the people had clearly spoken – twice.
As a matter of fact, each of these elected officials, when they first stood for election, said they’d never change the law limiting them to two terms without a vote of the people.

That was then and this is now.

Now they are faced with their own elected mortality.
And now that they have won election to their second term each is evaluating their future and many – or make that most – would like to stay in office for one more term or even longer.

And here, my friends, is the true test of the merit of the elected officials.

Integrity — being true to the mandate of the people – following the will of the people – is coming face-to-face with the self-serving desires of those elected officials.
And some otherwise very honorable people are beginning to spin.

And in the land – not so very far away – honor is at stake. Democracy is threatened as the will of the people is mocked by some self-serving political spin.

And the true test of the integrity of the elected officials is just ahead. Will they respect the will of the people and if they seek change, go back – and abide by a referendum of the people? Or will they just disregard all that democracy is about and raise their hands to feed their own personal needs?

We’ve lost sleep over the prospect.

We are frightened by the fact that some very good people may be corrupted by their own egos and aspirations and forget what public service is all about.

We are worried that in that land – not so very far away – too many elected officials may have lost their way.
MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com

There are quiet discussions underway in the present City Council contemplating changing the term limit law without going back to the people who passed the law by referendum.