Hayes right about term limits issue

I’ve noticed that in most elections, there is typically not more than one candidate, in addition to the incumbents, who run for office. So when people talk about term limits for our village board officials, I don’t agree. Since there is no limit to the number of candidates on a ballot, where are all the people who complain about those who are in office for more than eight years? Why aren’t they running? If they feel they can only be elected if they’re running against non-incumbents, that doesn’t say much about their ability.

When I watch the televised board meetings, being a village trustee or mayor isn’t an easy job. There is a lot of time invested prior to board meetings and I’m grateful that we have competent individuals who have chosen to serve our village.

Also, I think too little is said of experience. Becoming familiar with the various boards and committees that make up our government doesn’t seem intuitive.

I think the true measure of our elected officials is determined by how well the village runs and how well its residents are served. I believe the majority of Arlington Heights residents are pleased with their elected officials, which is why they are repeatedly voted into office.

At the League of Women Voters forum, one of the candidates for mayor, namely Ron Drake, erroneously stated that there were 7,000 residents that signed a petition for term limits. In actuality, there were just over 2700. I have to say that I agreed with Tom Hayes’ statement that we already have term limits in the form of the voting booth. I intend to vote for Tom Hayes for mayor!

Chris Barnes

Arlington Heights