Independence Party member Phil Goldstein criticized legislation sponsored by Huntington Democrat Jon Cooper to extend terms from four to two years, saying that it is a waste of time and money to put the issue before the public in the form of a referendum. Goldstein, usually a staunch supporter of the Initiative and Referendum concept, surprised legislators with his statement.

Cooper's legislation calls for a referendum for the next election citing that four-year terms would reduce the adverse influences of campaign contributors by reducing costs incurred by candidates as a result of less frequent elections. The bill also states that two-year terms "create pressures to consider short-term solutions" that fail to take into account long-range consequences for the citizens of Suffolk County. Under the legislation, if it were approved by voters, the four-year terms would commence January 1, 2004 following the November 2003 election.

The bill also points out that the public would not be adversely effected by four-year terms since there is now a 12-year term limit in effect, indicating that there would still be ample turnover in elected officials under term limits.

Goldstein, however, said that term limits, while admirable, are not enough to offset the public's right to choose lawmakers every two years.

"Regrettably, I must speak in opposition to this legislation," he said.

"Those elected to public office must be responsible and accountable. This bill is contrary to that concept." Goldstein scoffed at the notion that election every four years would in any way change the fact that often elected officials seem to be holding to special interests through campaign contributions.

"[Presently] elections are a politician's chance to play dialing for dollars," Goldstein argued. "The way to run for election is by doing the job the way it matters most [to the citizens of this county]. The danger of four-year terms is that our elected officials would become insulated against the needs of the public. Sadly to say, the electoral process is often a mockery as it is."

Goldstein's comments drew criticism from several legislators. Maxine Postal (D-Amityville) chided Goldstein, noting that he represents the Independence Party, which has a stake in the electoral process. Goldstein countered that the Independence Party has not yet stated an opinion officially and that he (Goldstein) is "speaking for the public" on this matter.

Postal then asked Goldstein if he opposed the referendum process. "I understand the principle of referendum," Goldstein said. "But I believe the public is as opposed to this particular referendum as the Independence Party is. We shouldn't be wasting time and taxpayer money on this issue. Every issue should not and does not have to be put on a referendum. I think the public finds extending legislative terms reprehensible."

Legislator Vivian Fisher (D-East Setauket) said she has had a number of calls from constituents asking why legislators must run every two years. She said that is an indication that voters think four-year terms might be wiser. Fisher said she thinks going to four-year terms "would be terrific. It's better than having to run for office every other year."

Cooper, meanwhile, said that while drafting the legislation his office polled between 600 and 700 people. "And not one person was opposed to four-year terms," he said. "The bill is an attempt to insulate elected officials from special interest groups. I believe extending the terms gives us greater opportunities to serve the interests of the public, not special interests."

Cooper also pointed out that of 34 counties in New York State 14 have four-year terms for legislators, two have three-year terms and 18 counties have two-year terms. He also noted that the offices of county comptroller, district attorney, county clerk and county treasurer are each four-year offices. "If the public were asked to go from four- to two-year terms, what would they say?" he asked Goldstein.

"I would hope the public would say yes," Goldstein responded. "With four-year terms I think we're heading down a slippery slope. I believe we're going down the wrong road."

"I'm glad you know that you're not omnipotent," Legislator George Guldi (D-Hampton Bays) joked. "I've never seen you accomplish the dazzling circularity you've accomplished today. You and the Independence Party support I&R. But you oppose this I&R. You oppose four-year terms and you oppose the voters' right to decide." Guldi added that he could not say at this time whether he personally supports the four-year term concept. "But I am speaking in support of the I&R concept," he said.

Legislator Dave Bishop agreed, noting, "The Initiative and Referendum [process] exists as a different path that is not corrupted by the political process. Support for I&R does not translate as support for every issue."

But Goldstein was adamant. "I believe it is wrong of this Legislature to force [this issue on the public] and that it is not in the public interest."