Rep. Kevin Kiley is complicit in GOP’s assaults on American democracy | Opinion

Kiley is complicit

“Can Kevin Kiley get elected as an independent in California?” (sacbee.com, June 10)

Rep. Kevin Kiley is directly complicit in the GOP’s unrelenting assaults on American democracy. For this, he needs to be held accountable at the ballot box. Any attempt to distance himself from GOP corruption is completely disingenuous, shameless and opportunistic.

Hopefully, 6th District voters will recognize this come November.

Chris Wawro

Fair Oaks

Vang’s courage

“Mai Vang leads Sacramento primary, heading to November,” (sacbee.com, June 9)

It takes courage to challenge a long-established Democratic incumbent, especially when you know powerful people will look for any reason to make the race about something other than the communities you are fighting for.

Isaac Gonzalez

Sacramento

Government double speak

“Is a massive AI data center coming to Roseville? City officials answer online rumors,” (sacbee.com, June 5)

Instead of giving an upfront answer to a direct question, Roseville city officials play a game of guess-what-I’m-saying.

Michael Santos

Antelope

Public safety requires investment

“California Justice Department would investigate more police shootings under Democrat’s plan,” (sacbee.com, June 16, 2020)

California’s Department of Justice (DOJ) special agents play a critical role in public safety, supporting local police and sheriff’s departments, investigating complex criminal operations and helping connect cases that cross jurisdictional lines. But too many of these positions are sitting vacant. That is not just a staffing issue, it is a public safety issue.

One example is DOJ’s Fentanyl Enforcement Program team based out of the Dublin Regional Office, which covers a region that spans from Merced to the Oregon border. That team has two vacant special agent positions, making it harder to support local agencies, identify suppliers and stop fentanyl before it reaches more communities.

The broader Dublin office has a 58% vacancy rate for special agents. California cannot ask DOJ special agents to fight fentanyl, organized crime and complex criminal operations without providing the staffing, pay and support needed to do the job. Public safety requires investment.

Ben Greenhagen

California DOJ Special Agent

President, Association of Special Agents