One of the more intriguing ideas to come out of Charleston this legislative session involves proposed term limits for some elected officials. What’s interesting is the idea did not come from the governor or a sitting member of the Legislature but instead from first-term state Treasurer Larry Pack, who is planning legislation that would limit those elected to the Board of Public Works — treasurer, auditor, secretary of state, agricultural commissioner and attorney general — to only three terms in office, or 12 years.

That’s an excellent idea — and one that should have been implemented years ago.

“When you come into office new, you have a lot of energy and ideas you want to do, and a lot of enthusiasm. The longer you are in office the more that wanes,” Pack said. “We think in order for the taxpayers to get the best bang for their buck, to get the most energy, it’s good to have these offices turn over from time to time.”

It’s hard to argue that logic. Some Public Works officials in recent memory served decades in office. Gus Douglass, for example, spent 40 years as agricultural commissioner. No one imagined those positions would turn into lifetime appointments.

A change is needed — and Pack’s plan appears to be a good start.

If moved through the Legislature, the change would require the voters to decide. It would go before voters as a proposed constitutional amendment in 2026. If the voters give their OK, term limits would start with those taking office in 2029.

We all know our system in its current form — at all levels of government — is at least somewhat broken. Individuals get elected with the best of intentions … and then never leave. A change such as this would be appropriate.

In fact, if lawmakers truly wanted to be representative of their constituents, they would consider expanding the legislation to include term limits for themselves.

This should be a simple issue. Being elected to public office never was intended to be a guarantee of a lifetime job. It’s time to tackle this issue — and then let the voters decide.