Term limits prove effective

June 4 marked the end of the line for the 2013 Legislature, as well as the end of the line for a handful of lawmakers. They’ll soon move on from their state Senate or Assembly posts because of term limits.

In the Senate, Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, will hit the 12-year maximum upon next year’s general election. In the Assembly, Majority Leader William Horne, D-Las Vegas; Tom Grady, R-Yerington; and Peggy Pierce, D-Las Vegas; also will hit the 12-year limit next year. Ms. Pierce’s service was particularly laudable; she suffered serious health problems for most of the session but received a standing ovation from her colleagues when she briefly joined them on the Assembly floor on the regular session’s final full day.

Legislators with such experience aren’t headed for the unemployment line, by any means. They have the option of running for other local or state offices, and service in the state Legislature almost always leads to job opportunities in the private sector.

Still, being a member of the Legislature is a public service. The pay is not significant (less than $8,000 for the four-month regular session, plus housing allowance and per diem), and the position requires a great deal of sacrifice. Voters should thank these four legislators for their efforts on behalf of all Nevadans.

But you, the voters, also deserve a pat on the back for supporting term limits on the 1998 ballot.

Yes, the Legislature is losing four experienced politicians on the heels of losing five to term limits after last year’s election. But Nevada voters supported term limits because they wanted an injection of new blood and fresh ideas into public bodies. Twelve years represents an ample amount of time to affect whatever change these dedicated public servants hoped to achieve.

The exit of these lawmakers doesn’t create a permanent void. Rather, it represents an opportunity for someone new to step in and be a difference-maker in helping the Silver State become a better place to live.