Term limits: wrong reform

The Opinion page article "Term Limits: Right Reform, Wrong Reasons," May 29, is helpful for clearing up the case for term limits for elected officials, but the author is misguided in thinking that term limits are the right reform.

The US Constitution already contains a system to "check the excesses of public power, increase the opportunity for citizens to serve in public office, and strengthen the linkages between representatives and constituents," as the author puts it. That system is frequent elections. The reforms needed to improve the effectiveness of our government are those that strengthen frequent elections and not term limitations, which would replace frequent elections as a check on government. Seth Chase, Montpelier, Vt.

Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.