by Nick Tomboulides
COLUMBUS, OH — If there’s one political force as unrelenting as citizens imposing term limits, it’s politicians scheming to weaken or repeal those limits afterward. Ohioans are watching that unfold now, as a panel of legislators, lawyers and lobbyists gets set to recommend that the eight-year term limits as voted on by 68 percent of the people should instead be weakened to 12 years.
That’s why U.S. Term Limits has boots on the ground in the capital city of Columbus, assisting citizens’ efforts to protect the term limits that four out of every five voters support. First, USTL President Philip Blumel joined Ohio small businessman Ray Warrick in standing up to present testimony to a committee of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, which is the tool politicians are using to give themselves more time in office.
Phil and Ray took the fight directly to Ohio’s most powerful lobbyist Fred Mills, who serves as committee chair. Mills didn’t like it when both men pointed out the proven link between lobbyists and efforts to harm term limits.
In the afternoon, USTL coordinated a news conference in the Statehouse, at which key leaders from around Ohio announced their opposition to the Commission’s plans. Ray Warrick announced to the gathered press that he has formed the “Eight is Enough Ohio” Committee, which will mobilize grassroots opposition to the legislature’s anti-term limits plans.
“One of the things you always hear is it [weakening term limits] is for good government. Well, it’s elitist government,” said Matt Lynch, a former member of the Ohio House who participated in the conference.
Ohio incumbents and their special interest backers will spend plenty of money to harm the state’s term limits, as they believe winning the financial arms race will also win them longer tenure. But they’ve overlooked not only the will of the people — as 78 percent of voters say ‘eight is enough’ — but also the energy and enthusiasm with which citizens will defend the law.
Everyone is now awaiting the Commission’s next move. No matter what they do next, USTL will be ready to stand with citizens as they stand up to their politicians.
Nick Tomboulides is the Executive Director of U.S. Term Limits
