Dennis Tuuri

Full PEAPAC Analysis

At first glance, this Measure seems intended to restore a “citizen” Legislature, and hold our elected officials accountable. There is, as far as we know, no prohibition in the Bible to limiting terms of Legislators. In fact, the idea of a “citizen legislature” seems more like the civil polity of the nation of Israel in the Old Testament than what we have today. But the best way to accomplish this in our day seems to be to first restrict the civil government’s sphere of activity, then send the Legislators home for most of the year.

With the federal government still growing larger and larger, the practical effect of this Measure would be to further empower the Administrative branch as novice Legislators would rely increasingly on the advice of the experienced bureaucrats. This is the reverse of what we have said we should be doing, which is cutting back on bureaucratic excesses. Additionally, there is good reason to believe that this and like Measures being voted on around the country may be used to call a constitutional convention, which would pose a real and present danger to our constitution and our very way of governance. We therefore strongly recommend a NO vote on this Measure.