Opinion/Guest View: Term limits just for the sake of change won't benefit Middletown

During all my years of community service in Middletown (MHS, SC, TC), my personal goal has always been to help make the community better, never in self-interest.

But this will be my last term on the TC, so the recent prospect of term limits was irrelevant to me personally. However, I would like to identify some considerations that are relevant.

Times have changed and so has the culture and character of our town. Most of the office-holders over the years dedicated their time and energy to improving the Town of Middletown. They worked together to identify issues that threatened to undermine the town’s well-being and then took steps to rectify those issues and develop initiatives that would benefit the town.

They came to public service with a knowledge of the ways of government and made it their goal to continue to practice unity for the good of all the people – not for one section of the town or for one group of residents.

Middletown was regarded as a single unified community.

But times have changed and – unfortunately – Covid was a distinct turning point. Like everywhere else, Middletowners have been focused on surviving, and people have become more self-absorbed and self-protective.

Furthermore, the epidemic magnified the educational issues already existing from decreasing enrollment. Educationwas reduced to the basics – just what was deemed necessary – eliminating options that opened the door to success in the adult world, such as vocational training and, what is relevant here – civics education – learning about the national, state and local government.

Why is this relevant? Because understanding the needs of the whole community requires a positive outlook and broad knowledge which are more than just a focus on individual self-interest.

Notice – most current government officials have been seasoned by experience based on a widespread knowledge ofall aspects of the community – the young and the old, the east side and the west side, the residential and thecommercial. They know that ALL the citizens deserve attention, protection, and – above all – respect.

They benefited from civics education that led to an understanding of personal and civic responsibility, which isbroader and heavier for those elected to lead. They know that previous generations provided for all of us. That is theresponsibility of the elected representatives of the people who live here. They can not and must not be motivated by self-interest.

But the time will come when the current office-holders will move on, and the next generation of the community willtake their place. I would caution the voters to beware of replacing knowledgeable representatives who are committed to the community as a whole with others whose intentions may be honorable but whose knowledge of the needs across the whole community may be limited.

Yes, there is always a need for new blood. But be certain that those who eventually take their place are equallyknowledgeable and committed to the community.

In an effort to help new candidates to acquire a deeper knowledge of town administrative structures and local issues, I have been working with the Middletown Library to develop a series of informational seminars – limited to those who may never before have served the town or run for office – to provide some idea of what would be expected of them if they were elected and how they could contribute to the community as a whole.

But change just for the sake of change will not benefit the town.

Term limits do not guarantee good service. Voters who elect only the most knowledgeable and honorable candidates – experienced or new – who value the concept of community – will ensure good and responsible service that is NOT motivated by self-interest.

Barbara A. VonVillas is a member of the Middletown Town Council.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Opinion/Guest View: Term limits just for change won't benefit Middletown