I would like to respectfully disagree with your paper’s editorial on Jan. 29, “A Failed Experiment.” Term limits were voted in almost 14 years ago and the loudest critics are legislators who are now or are about to be term-limited.

New and fresh ideas in Augusta are a good thing along with the new faces. Yes, we have lost sterling legislators to term limits, but everyone’s idea of a sterling legislator may not be the same as yours.

We may have elected some new sterling legislators. Experienced legislators have a tendency to deal first with there own personal agendas and then deal with what is best for the state.

Restricting any former legislator from working as a lobbyist would remove any influence they may have gained while serving in Augusta. Lastly, poor leadership in the executive branch that Maine has had in the last dozen years has been far more damaging to Maine and its economy than term limits.

I also wonder how you, (the BDN) know that the late philanthropist Elizabeth Noyes had been “mistakenly persuaded” about term limits. I think she knew exactly what she was financing and why.

In my opinion, it isn’t broke so don’t try to fix it or throw it away.

Merle Cousins

Southwest Harbor