Like many other local government agencies in Colorado, the Roaring Fork Re-1 School District is asking voters to exempt school board members from the statewide term limits law.

This newspaper supports the school district in this quest and urges a “yes” vote on ballot question 3A.

Colorado voters enacted term limits in order to clear the decks of entrenched partisan politicians who operate self-perpetuating re-election machines.

On the federal level, term limits have failed as congressional representatives turn their backs on the concept and run for re-election beyond their limit. At the state Capitol, term limits have cleared out hidebound and stellar legislators alike.

At the local level, term limits leave some posts begging for good candidates while booting out competent incumbents willing to continue.

At every level, this newspaper believes the best way to limit a politician’s term in office is at the ballot box, an opportunity that comes every two or four years. Term limits impose an artificial restriction that has little relation to leadership, experience and continuity.

That’s particularly true for a nonpartisan, volunteer body like the school board. If a citizen is willing to work hard guiding the education of young people, let them serve as long as they and the voters in their district wish.

In reality, most school board members will only serve one, two, or at most, three terms. If they do a lousy job, voters will recognize that and recruit an opponent. If they do a good job, they may or may not face opposition.

If an opponent emerges, voters will have a choice, and a campaign to sort out the differences. If no opponent steps forward, voters can comfortably re-elect a knowledgeable incumbent.

Members of the Editorial Board are Publisher Valerie Smith, Managing Editor Heather McGregor and News Editor Dennis Webb.