LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

Term limits

To the editor:

It seems almost every time I read the Marion County Record, I see some news article or opinion piece that either pertains to the governor of Kansas or to a governor of another state.

Since this is 2025, and the 2026 gubernatorial election is still more than a year away, this would be a golden opportunity for the Kansas Legislature to enact term limits for future governors.

I have nothing against Laura Kelly or some of those who preceded her, such as Bill Graves and Sam Brownback, who were elected to two terms. I have met both of them.

The oldest living former governor of Kansas, John Carlin, was elected to two terms. He concluded his second term in January, 1987. By that August, he was my professor at Wichita State University.

I must say I learned a lot in his class. He was rigorous and insisted on excellence in all his students. I can vouch for that. He was my most distinguished professor at WSU. I like him.

That being said, I am afraid that Kansas can do better than “geriatric politics.” With all due respect, Laura Kelly is 75 years old. Even Catholic bishops are required to tender their resignations at age 75. I approve of that.

True, some people are blessed with good health, and some people aren’t. Nevertheless, Kansas is not a small state. Nor is America a small country. We have a population that would easily enable greater turnover.

Sadly, many people don’t run for elective office for fear they or their families’ lives will be put through a gristmill of dirty politics and stilted media tainted by big money or big name recognition.

I feel we must break that celebrity cycle in elections. Furthermore, I think future Kansas governors would do better if they didn’t have to worry about the yoke of re-election.

There would be fewer incentives for lobbyists, and governors would be forced to make their mark and get out.

Public service wasn’t intended to be a lifelong career. Let them go back to private life instead of facing either the ballot box or a pine box.

Sadly, many voters don’t do their own research and are lazy enough to vote for a faceless incumbent.

I don’t think endorsements matter much either. The only endorsement that counts is your own vote.

Now is the time, while Governor Kelley is a lame duck and halfway neutral, for Kansas to enact a one-term-only law.

Doing so would enhance her legacy and those of her successors — and all citizens would benefit.

James A. Marples
Longview, Texas