Mayor Euille's petulant reaction to being defeated in the Democratic mayoral primary for a fifth term — by musing about a "write in" campaign — highlights the need for term limiting the offices of mayor and City Council. Alexandria has a wealth of talented and experienced citizens who could effectively serve in office, and doesn't need professional politicians who mistakenly believe that they hold a vested property interest in their elected positions. Mediocre results by the current mayor and council make it clear that a legally mandated turnover in office holders is required. The president is term limited, as is the governor of Virginia. Two terms should suffice for the mayor and council members, with at least six years off between holding the same office again. All council candidates should promise to support legally limiting the terms of the mayor and council.
Edward M. Templeman
Alexandria