PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked people whether state and federal legislators should be limited to serving a maximum of eight years. No limits exist on how many times lawmakers can be re-elected.

Floyd Stephens: "I think they should limit it to eight years to let some new blood come in. Some of them have been in there for years, and I think some are getting too old to make good decisions."

Paul Pruitt: "I think it's a good idea. A lot of them get complacent after they've been for a while. Some are just up there for the ride. I think that having new blood in there will generate more good. However, I think there should be a mixture of young and old."

Thiru Thamby: "I feel it's a good idea to limit their terms. I come from Malaysia, and the lawmakers there have a limit to the length of time that they can serve. You can always get new ideas from new people."

Ida Robert: "That's not a bad idea. I would approve of that. Other than this, I think that the older legislators should step down when they get up in age."

Cecelia Sonderman: "I have mixed emotions, but I would lean toward change. I think after they have served a long time they get sort of passive, because people do slow down with age. On the other hand, there is the factor of experience."

Dena Rhodes: "I think they should limit the terms. More people would get the chance if the office changed more often. I don't think it is fair for some to be re-elected so many times."