Do you care about term limits?
I've been wanting to write a story about career politicians in the San Gabriel Valley, but easier said than done. Tonight, I did minimal research, looking for which SGV Councilmember has served the longest. Unfortunately, not each city has bios posted online about their council members, and information is very limited in general online about the council members and their histories. So I figured I'd turn to you guys for help:
What council member in your city has served the longest?
Here's all I know. (Hey, I said I did minimal research. I gave up after five cities didn't have anything posted about their council members.) I'm hoping that with your help, this list will grow:
Rosemead
Gary Taylor
First elected: 1974
Total years: 34
*BTW. I want to do the story because I find the topic interesting. I'm not saying that it is good or bad that there are council members who have served on the council for X many of years. That's your call. My boss seems to think this isn't a story because voters continue to reelect these local career politicians.
Comments
I doubt you'll find anyone who will beat 34 years. Heck, most Supreme Court justices don't serve that long.
Posted by: TK | March 19, 2008 12:40 AM
Kenneth Gillanders, Temple City. First elected 1978. Serving his sixth term in office (24 years and counting)
Posted by: SGV Resident | March 19, 2008 1:21 AM
Jennifer, here's my suggestion. Instead of looking at the length of time a specific person has served on a council or school/water board, why not examine political families in the SGV? For example, the Calderons of Montebello, the Ferreros of Industry, etc.
Posted by: Dog Spot | March 19, 2008 7:47 AM
Trust the wisdom of your boss. The story isn't how long they have served, it is what they have, or have not, done for the local citizens....and in effect, how they are conducting the peoples business.
Posted by: gilman | March 19, 2008 8:19 AM
we have term limits for State Assemblymembers, Senators, Gov's, President, and other government offices. Why not local city councils? I think 3 terms is enough.
Posted by: SGVPolitico | March 19, 2008 10:17 AM
Gary Taylor deserves a very big "thank you"! We know he is a very trustworthy, loyal and responsible man. We know he is not in it for the power, but for the people of Rosemead. He continues to be re-elected because of his great character and reputation. That is why people vote for him and the residents of Rosemead should be proud that he represents them. Some people may not agree with him, but he is always prepared and works very hard to get to the facts and makes tough decisions to better the city.
After thirty-four years, he deserves a small pension right?
There is good and bad with term limits. You lose good people when they have to leave office, but you also get rid of bad people. There is a school of thought that politicians with term-limits tend to fleece the city coffers, look to higher political positions, and work with lobbyists for future support in their quest for higher office. So I don't know what is better. Maybe an in-depth study is needed...get on it Jennifer, sounds VERY EXCITING!
Posted by: The Truth | March 20, 2008 4:24 PM
Most of the time, no one's paying attention. That's how you get stuck with deadweight who have 34 years under their belt but no significant accomplishments.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 21, 2008 3:51 PM