‘Restore the Public Trust’

At local, state and national levels, widespread questions are being raised about how to control corruption and ethical problems in the American political system. As The Times pointed out (editorial, “Restore the Public Trust,” May 28), “Powerful, intelligent and trusted political figures who should know better are on the take.”

The solution to restoring the public trust, The Times believes, “is to remove temptation altogether by banning all outside income and paying public officials a salary that allows them to maintain a reasonable standard of living--a salary that will attract qualified candidates.”

Conceding that fair salary levels are important, that alone will not guarantee that there will follow a guaranteed new and better standard in congressional membership. There are two reasons why. First, it would reward all incumbent members, regardless of their qualifications and past record of performance. Second, it would give them even more incentive to hang on to their congressional seats.

The best solution would be to limit representatives to perhaps six two-year terms, and senators to two six-year terms. Shocking? There are valid precedents to support such a change in terms of office. For example, the presidency already is limited to two four-year terms.

Paying higher salaries would not necessarily change officials’ ethics or philosophies, which are the crux of the vexing situation now disturbing the nation’s voters. The only sure way to correct the existing malaise is to limit the terms of office.

Arguments may be made that there is value in years of experience. That is true in many instances, but when it leads to corruption and abuse of power by a few individuals, a change is necessary. As the news media reports indicate, many serious cases involving important members of Congress already have been uncovered. How many more exist is not known yet. They may not be criminal offenses, but they are damaging to the public trust and to the national welfare.

The Congress has awesome power affecting the lives and welfare of all Americans and the fate of the nation. It is clear now that it has failed to live up to that responsibility. Correction is essential, as The Times has editorialized, and its suggestion is one step in the right direction. However, stronger additional measures are needed. It is time for a revolutionary change. A limitation on terms of congressional office would be the most effective way to end the intolerable abuses that have developed over past years.

ROBERT LEE

Newport Beach