Thanks for responding Steve. I guess it's different for everyone. I myself probably wouldn't do more than 2 terms consecutively. Maybe move to a different arena or aspect of community service. I think it becomes pretty obvious when things start to get out of balance. At that point, things should definitely change.
This "balance" issue is extremely obvious in places where dictators have been overthrown or democracy is initially being set up. Someone new with zeal and a good motive is put into power. Things go great for a few years. The community/country is behind them, good things are happening then everything starts to go south. I think it's from balance being lost and a narrow focus.
Anyways, back to the original question. Probably 2.
So let me post this question then...and Dave...you can answer this question too if you'd like but it's more directed at Ricky. If you are elected to park board, how many terms do you feel is enough before it's time to call it good?
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Let me start by saying that I've been all around the world and back again. I grew up in Williston. I've lived in a city of almost a million people and I've lived in a village in Uganda. I've witnessed many forms of "politics" from a corrupt, third world president to questionable local elected "politicians". I get quite disgusted with the "game" of politics. "POLITICS" to me are disgusting.
Any person participating in a community should feel the duty to help better that community. I may step on some toes here but I don't feel that this is a "career" move. If you're trying to make this a lifetime deal, you've stepped out of the realm of "civic duty" and into "politician".
In my humble opinion, this is detrimental to a community. Career politicians tend to get a biased, single focus or "agenda". An agenda comes from a passion. It's not a bad thing. That's why term limits are in place in many places. You try to build your passion (while keeping balance), then you move on. Someone new comes in, draws off the past leadership and builds their own passion. When we allow people to make decisions for decades on end, things naturally fall out of balance.
This, to me, is the difference between "politics" and public service. I feel the tug of civic duty pulling me into realm of public service. I think balance is needed and I feel we're out of balance now. I may be way off the mark and please give me feedback if you feel differently!
I always think back to God using a talking ass to teach Balaam a lesson (Numbers 22). If he can use a talking donkey to spread wisdom, my eyes are always open to "instruction"! It can come from anywhere!
