RI lawmaker proposes term limits

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A new Rhode Island lawmaker wants to lengthen the terms of members of the General Assembly — and impose term limits to encourage turnover.

Rep. John Lombardi says the current two-year terms for House and Senate members prompt lawmakers to spend too much time running for re-election. He says four-year terms would give them more time to focus on helping constituents.

But he also thinks lawmakers should be restricted to three four-year terms to ensure they don't develop a sense of entitlement.

Lombardi introduced legislation this week that would place his proposal before voters as a referendum in 2014.

Lombardi is a former Providence City Council president and was acting mayor in 2002 following Vincent "Buddy" Cianci's conviction and resignation . Lombardi was elected to the House last fall.