We have too many old elected officials
Mike Kreidler isn’t a racist. And, I’m sure that any inappropriate comments he may have made were unintentional. Mike has just one fault. He’s been a public elected official since the 1970’s. That too long for any one person to serve as a representative of the people.
He’s also 78 years of age. Like many of our current elected officials – – Patty Murray comes to mind – – he’s just too damn old. I say that with a heavy heart. Just being old isn’t any reason to turn someone out of office. But, being old has one drawback – – it’s difficult to keep up with a changing society.
I should know. I’m 79 and still writing. But, there’s a difference. Being an elected official has one responsibility that I don’t have. An elected official must represent all of his/her constituents and keep up with their changing make-up. All I represent is myself and my own view points.
Don’t think the public, and particularly Washington state voters don’t take age into consideration.
A few decades ago, Washington state was well-served by a powerful Democratic Senator – – Warren G. Magnuson. After nearly a half century of service – the voters turned him out of office.
There is a time limit on elected officials. Murray’s up this year. Kreidler has two more years left to serve. He’s not on the ballot this time. In two years, I wouldn’t want to run on any ticket that has an 81-year old man at the top. That’s how old Joe Biden will be in two years. If he’s re-elected, he’ll be 82.
Modern medicine may extended our life expectancy, but it doesn’t do a damn thing to keep our mind young.
Posted in Government, History, Local Politics, The Real News