Federal employees protect our health, provide safety

To the Editor,

   The U.S. Constitution provides for a “balance of power” between the three branches of government (executive, legislative and judicial). Further, for several decades, the federal government, like state and local government, has included professional civil servants who perform vital services which require specific expertise. The Trump Administration seems to have gutted many aspects of the federal civil service (CBS News). Further the potential termination of many employees in areas such as the CIA, FBI, and health agencies will likely lead to a significant potential for terrorism, endangering the health and safety of everyone.

   I am appalled by the lack of concern and silence by Iowa’s Senators Grassley and Ernst and U.S. Representative Miller-Meeks for the ripping out of the expertise of federal government by terminating thousands of employees. This leaves all of us vulnerable to violent acts and endangers our safety.

   If we apply this action to city elections after the 2025 election this would translate to the termination of the current employees in the police department, water/sewer department, and street department. Would this action increase our water quality, street conditions, and public safety? I cannot imagine this action at the local level would provide for greater safety and security. Why would similar action at the federal level increase our safety?

   I ask that you write or call your federal representatives demanding that federal employees are in place to protect our health and safety. 

Respectfully,

Sandy and Keith Stamp

Monticello, Iowa