Fort Bend Independent News Covers Missouri City Elections, Term Limits & Other Important City Issues!--click here for more--

Term limits for city council members
Howard Moline

I think one of the more interesting aspects of life in Fort Bend County is the excitement and enthusiasm generated by politics.

Every two years we see new candidates asking for our vote and helping us to refocus on how we can improve our cities and county.

To me, the democratic process is invigorating and refreshing. New candidates bring fresh approaches to problems, different personalities, and zeal to the election process and their newly won offices.

Having said this, there is one city in Fort Bend County that has a difficulty with this constant renewal aspect of politics, and that is Missouri City.

Politics is not quite as much fun, exciting or productive in Missouri City because we have City Council Members who have held their offices for extended periods and the City has never adopted term limits.

Term limits is a City ordinance that restricts the number of terms a City Council Member can serve. Points in favor of terms limits are that new Council Members bring many positives including new ideas, unique approaches to problems, a fresh outlook, and enthusiasm.

I think most people would agree that serving in City Council positions is a privilege and not a right.

It’s not only a privilege but a great opportunity for residents to show their patriotism, creativity, positive attitudes, and enthusiasm for their neighborhoods and the City.

Many Missouri City residents would appreciate and be delighted at the opportunity to run for City Council office and serve there.

America has a long history of being democratic and giving opportunities to everyone. What does it say about Missouri City when we deny our residents those opportunities because we have near-permanent members on the current City Council?

The Missouri City Council has five (of seven) Council Members who have been in public office for periods ranging from eight to twenty-seven years! I think it is inevitable that Council Members with these records of longevity in office suffer “burn out” and that they become less responsive to their constituents’ needs.

More importantly, the present situation makes it extremely difficult for other City residents to run for office and win. The incumbents hold huge advantages including large campaign fund accumulations, a substantial network of friends and political favors, and name recognition.

Term limit ordinances provide that each Council office will see a new office holder every eight years.

Thus, at least every few years, challengers with no record of public office are on a level playing field.

The race is then won or lost on the candidates’ qualifications or lack of them.

Missouri City has rarely seen this type of Council race and we will see them with decreasing frequency if trends continue as they have. . .(follow the links above for the full story).