Power corrupts. I generally believe that when people run for government, they want to bring about positive change. However, when they stay too long, the lines get blurred.

Billionaire donors give massive sums to both parties.

Elon Musk gained access to government and obtains billions in contracts. The Trump family openly enriches themselves.

Many Congressional leaders become lobbyists, fueling more spending.

Former New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez is serving his corruption sentence at a federal prison in Schuylkill County.

So how do we end this corruption?

David Hogg was recently removed as a DNC Vice-Chair. He called for the primarying of long-serving lawmakers so a newer generation could have a voice and bring reforms. I agree with his principle, but not his tactics.

The goal of the DNC is to elect and re-elect lawmakers, so he violated its rules. Instead, it would be better to focus on a constitutional amendment with term and age limits.

To change the Constitution, you need two-thirds of each branch of Congress and three-fourths of the states to ratify it. This makes agreement on term limits complicated. So let’s start a conversation.

For Article 1, Section 2, add to paragraph 2: A Representative can serve a maximum of ten (10) two-year terms and cannot run for election after age 75.

For Section 3, the Senate: A Senator can serve a maximum of four (4) six-year terms and cannot run for election after age 75.

Some may think 20 or 24 years is too long, but we want more working-class people in government. A teacher would have to resign their position, and if they only served one term, it would be difficult to be rehired. Again, let’s start a conversation.

While I am the Chairman of the Schuylkill County Democratic Committee, this is my personal position and does not reflect that of our party.

I’d like to talk with like-minded Republicans, Independents, and Democrats to begin what will be a long process.

If interested, visit www.schuylkilldems.com and click on contact. I’d like to host an in-person event to start a conversation to change the National and Pennsylvania Constitutions.

Todd Zimmerman

Chairman

SCDC