Joint Resolution To Limit Terms Of Elected And Appointed Government Officials Advances
Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
A House Joint Resolution with the ultimate goal of imposing term limits on both elected and appointed government officials in the state of Tennessee is advancing to its next step in the legislative process.
The House Public Service Subcommittee will be presented with the legislation on Tuesday, February 14th at 4:30 pm Central.
HJR0045 as introduced, establishes a referendum process by which the electorate of a local government in this state may vote to establish 16-year term limits for the public officials of the local government- Amends TCA Title 2; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8.
If successful, the question of whether an elected or appointed official should be term-limited after a period of 16 years, could be placed on the November 2024 ballot.
The Tennessee Conservative spoke to Representative Bryan Richey (R-Maryville-District 20), the legislation’s sponsor regarding the bill, and its goals of determining the length of time an elected or appointed official serves. He said it is important legislation because “it puts the decision in the hands of the people, where it belongs.”
In earlier interviews with Representative Richey, he expressed the reasons for his decision to make this bill one of the first he filed as a new lawmaker having been elected just this past fall.
He said, “During my campaign for office, I personally knocked on more than 5,000 doors. During this time, I listened to the concerns of my district and took notes on what they wanted our state to do….voters said they wanted term limits on everybody, and the number that we came up with during legislative discussions here in the district was 16 years.”
Richey also added that in many cases, those who do serve in state and local government tend to not serve past that 16-year mark, and should the legislation be signed into law, anyone who was still serving out a term and had been serving longer than 16 years would get to finish out that term.
Richey asked that citizens contact the House Public Service Subcommittee before the end of the day on Monday, February 13th so that there is plenty of time for the members of that committee to take in the public’s response of support. You will find their contact information below.
House Public Service Subcommittee
Rep. Iris Rudder -R- rep.iris.rudder@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-8695
Rep. Rebecca Alexander -R- rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-2251
Rep. Vincent Dixie -D- rep.vincent.dixie@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-1997
Rep. Rick Eldridge -R- rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-6877
Rep. Curtis Johnson -R- rep.curtis.johnson@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-4341
Rep. Kelly Keisling -R- rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-6852
Rep. Dennis Powers -R- rep.dennis.powers@capitol.tn.gov – 615-741-3335
About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member. Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty.
This one needs to pass. We need to get rid of career politicians.
16 years is a career. Two terms for elected officials and five years for appointed.
Ha! Politicians are not going to limit their own perks and campaign $$$ and kickbacks