Opinions vary over idea of term limits

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT-MESA -- An informal poll of school board members found some are

divided on whether they should be subject to term limits.

“New blood is always good -- new eyes,” said school board member Wendy

Leece. “I think we have a history in this district of many terms for

school board members and I feel that has contributed to the criticism of

mismanagement.”

This time, Leece is not alone in her beliefs. Board member Serene Stokes

has joined her camp with a desire to see a limit of three terms placed on

board members.

“I want to see more than eight years because it takes awhile to learn.

But I think after 12 years -- that’s a long time to be on the board,”

Stokes said. “I also think it’s important that these don’t become

permanent positions. People each bring special talents.”

Judy Franco, who has served on the Newport-Mesa school board for 21

years, said she’s all for newcomers, but was adamantly opposed to setting

term limits.

“That does not mean the concept of new blood is a bad one -- it’s always

good. Dave [Brooks] is an example of that. So is Wendy a few years before

him, and Serene,” Franco said. “But you need to have an understanding

that takes a period of time, and when you put term limits in, you don’t

have that time.”

Franco repeated her earlier sentiments that being the only school

district in the state with term limits would be detrimental to the

board’s ability to have an impact in Sacramento.

The oft-heard argument that term limits create an inexperienced board is

one Leece refutes absolutely.

“I do not feel that it takes years to come up to speed to understand the

system. It’s not rocket science,” Leece said. “I think you just have to

be able to read and listen. It’s not something where you study, study,

study then reach a level of understanding.”

Both Leece and Stokes expressed concern over the lack of opposition,

citing the expense of a campaign as a possible reason. That was where

their views split. Leece, unlike Stokes, said newcomers don’t want to

spend the money unless the seat is truly open, without an incumbent vying

for the position.

“By nature of the incumbent and recognition of its name, it’s difficult

to unseat an incumbent on a school board anywhere,” Leece said.

Franco dismissed the all-powerful incumbent argument, citing Martha

Fluor’s landslide victory against incumbent Tom Williams.

“I face term limits every time I run,” Franco said. “Someone can file and

run against me and it’s up to the voters in the community. So that is

facing term limits.”