Rocklin Rep. Kevin Kiley’s staff defends recent town hall following intense criticism | Opinion
Kiley’s pathetic town hall
“Many constituents couldn’t join Kiley’s packed tele-town hall,” (sacbee.com, March 17)
I’m discouraged and alarmed after attending Congressman Kevin Kiley’s tightly controlled telephone town hall. He took questions on a range of policy issues but avoided addressing deeper concerns about lawless behavior by the Trump administration.
Checks and balances are fundamental to our republic, yet this presidential administration appears to disregard federal court orders meant to constrain its actions and uphold the rule of law. If the Trump administration won’t follow judicial orders, Congress is our last defense against autocracy. I fear that representatives like Kiley are not up to this solemn responsibility.
Tom Boo
Bishop
Kiley’s defense
“Many constituents couldn’t join Kiley’s packed tele-town hall,” (sacbee.com, March 17)
In a previous town hall hosted by Congressman Kevin Kiley, we polled and found that constituents overwhelmingly favored the virtual format.
In his first term, Kiley held over a dozen town halls, with 53,698 constituents participating. On March 17, 25,104 people attended the town hall. We’ll continue to hold these events.
Kiley has never voted to cut Medicaid and has been recognized for his commitment to protecting Medicare and Social Security.
Michael Rauber
Communications director, Congressman Kevin Kiley
A new purpose for the zoo
“Sacramento’s Front Street shelter overcrowded, outdated” (sacbee.com, March 19)
A new animal shelter is long overdue, but the city will likely never prioritize funding a new one. The Sacramento Zoo is moving soon, so how about a new shelter there? It’s time that abandoned, neglected, and abused animals have a modern facility to be cared for until they find their forever homes.
Jennifer Hale
Sacramento
Trump’s disdain for democracy
“Inside look at El Salvador’s mega-prison holding Venezuelan deportees with alleged gang ties,” (sacbee.com, March 17)
The presidential administration has trampled on congressional duties, such as the power of the purse, the establishment of federal agencies and the oversight of executive actions. All of this is being done with the spineless inaction of Republican majorities in Congress.
The legal rights of federal workers have been totally ignored. The completely chaotic slashing of staff and programs that have direct effects on the portion of the public least able to defend themselves is being done as quickly as possible so that the legal recourse to stop it will be moot by the time the courts act on the numerous lawsuits.
Bob Eason
Roseville
Polluters must pay
“It isn’t lack of water or DEI making LA’s wildfires worse. Experts say it’s climate change,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 11)
Big Oil makes billions while all of us bear the costs in the form of worsening climate disasters. The loss of a loved one or a home is beyond any cost.
California legislators must be brave and pass the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (Senate Bill 684 and Assembly Bill 1423).
Carol Weed
Walnut Creek
School choice is a myth
“California parents must have the right to educational choice,” (sacbee.com, March 18)
School choice is a myth. Rural students and urban students without transportation don’t have so-called “school choice.” Moreover, schools of choice are under no obligation to educate English language learners or special education students. The real truth is that schools of choice pick the students, not the other way around.
Once public schools are defunded, who will educate English language learners or special needs students? Every child deserves a neighborhood school that will educate them — no matter their circumstances.
Kate Lenox
Sacramento