News from Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

Dear Neighbor, The wisdom of the American Constitution is, among other things, it's understanding of the need for checks and balances on power, to protect the freedom and liberty of Americans. That is why today I have submitted legislation to the County Board of Legislators to reduce the existing three term limit (12 years) for County Executives enacted in 2011 in Westchester, down to two terms (eight years). The power of government to compel citizens to do specific things is so great that the framers of our country wanted to ensure no one person could exert that power without some other set of persons able to thwart the will of that one individual. The founders desperately wanted to avoid a King, exactly what they had experienced in England. All of our local governments follow that Revolutionary Era philosophy; restricting the reach of government. Every type of governmental rule known to mankind has an Executive, be they hereditary monarch, military leader, religious leaders or elected official. Not every type of government, however, has an elected legislature or Parliament, selected by the people in a free and open vote, to place a check on that Executive. I have been a student of government as well as a practitioner these many years, serving on three different levels: city, county and state. Now, as I complete my second year as County Executive, I see the authority granted this position - and I strongly believe it should be further limited to ensure a balance of interests are better served. I propose no change in legislative term limits, which currently allow a maximum of service of 12 years (six terms). This new term limit, if passed, will reduce my available future terms from three terms to two; I have included my tenure as covered within the law. Oftentimes, incumbents are "grandfathered" in, meaning the restrictions apply to the next occupant of the seat. But, they will apply to me as well. Eight years is a period of time most common where Executive term limits apply, and I think it is a defensible change. The length of my tenure is up to the voters, but to limit the total years to eight makes good sense, and ensures the proper check and balance. I trust the County Board of Legislators - and the residents of Westchester County - agree. George Latimer Westchester County Executive