If some fraction of the problem is a result of the desire to be re-elected, should we be pushing for only letting them have one term?

The thing we lose is the value of real expertise.

I think the single best chance California State government has to pull out of its involvency dive are the actions of current Governor Jerry Brown. Brown was governor before, but long enough ago that it was before term limits were in place for the office. I think if one looks at something like what is happening to Greece as part of the counterfactual that could be happening in California, one has to be glad Brown is here.

In some sense, I would say Brown is the Steve Jobs of state government. A wacky genius with a wierd twist on the necessary talents and motivations that allow the possibility of a great result. Of course, in the case of California, surviving with workable schools and not descending into criminal chaos because the police and courts are cut too deeply may be Brown's much more under-the-radar iPhone.