Elite neighborhoods should not be exempt

In his recent Marin Voice commentary (“California growth mandates in fire hazard zones must stop,” Feb. 8), former Mill Valley Mayor John McCauley argued that state housing laws should be amended to allow local jurisdictions to stop development in high fire risk areas. He objects to the provision that allows up to four units to be built on a single-family zoned lot, saying it will impact safety in the event of an evacuation from the Cascade and Summit neighborhoods above downtown Mill Valley and Warner Canyon where the golf course is located.

As a resident of Mill Valley’s Enchanted Knolls neighborhood, I know McCauley has been an advocate of the high-density affordable housing project at One Hamilton Drive, which is on the eastern margin of Mill Valley. The City Council approved that project over another site that many identify as superior. Some residents near One Hamilton felt city officials deliberately sought to prevent high-density development in the elite neighborhoods of the city.

McCauley’s proposal would protect these same elite hillside neighborhoods from even small-scale development, thus insulating those neighborhoods entirely from the burden of housing development required by state laws. If entire neighborhoods are exempt from this requirement, this inevitably will increase the pressure to build housing in other areas of the city.

Sadly, draconian state housing laws have caused conflict between neighborhoods. Although those laws are in need of reform, people who have chosen to live in fire-prone areas should not be given a pass. Legislators should look carefully at the consequences of such proposals.

— Kevin McGrath, Mill Valley

Disappointing Fairfax town clerk, treasurer vote

At a recent meeting, a majority of Fairfax Town Council members appeared to act in opposition to the spirit of the recent election by appointing a town clerk and treasurer who were not the qualified applicants to receive the most letters of support (“Fairfax gets new town clerk and treasurer,” Feb. 15). The dismissed candidates are community members who demonstrated years of loyalty to Fairfax.

At the meeting before the vote, an obvious majority of public speakers expressed support for the same dedicated local candidates mentioned in the letters. Newly elected council members Frank Egger and Mike Ghiringhelli voted in alignment with their constituents’ recommendations. But I could only watch in amazement as Barbara Coler, Stephanie Hellman and Lisel Blash disregarded the spoken will of the people and voted in lockstep for their own chosen appointee.

I felt deflated. In November, Fairfax rejected Measure H to secure an elected (not appointed) position for clerk and treasurer. Of course I understand that, since both positions have recently become vacant, the council had to name an appointee now before a full election next year. But I expected a majority of our elected representatives to vote in accordance with the wishes of their constituents.

I consider the elected position to be a safeguard and symbol of independence for Fairfax residents. The IJ article stated, “The roles are considered ceremonial with limited or no oversight authority, according to Heather Abrams, town manager.” But if that were true, why would the majority bloc refuse to honor the endorsement of voters?

From my perspective, I just saw the will of the voters being manipulated and discounted. I have lost faith in our town’s so-called democracy.

— Teliha Draheim, Fairfax

Reined-in spending, legal immigration has support

President Donald Trump’s critics depict him as a disrupter and someone who does not adhere to norms. Is this true? We’ve grown accustomed to wasteful government spending accompanied by large budget deficits. We’ve resigned ourselves to allowing some 20 million immigrants lacking permanent legal status to stay in the country.

Therefore, it seems shocking when Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency actually appears to expose widespread fraud and abuse in the U.S. Agency for International Development. A tiny fraction of the 20 million migrants, some of whom have committed crimes, have been deported thus far, but the level of outrage and disbelief by some makes it seem like much more.

As a former Marin County resident, I read Linda Jacobs’ recent Marin Voice commentary (“Stand strong against political threats to critical services,” Feb. 13) with interest. I’ve donated to some of the organizations she said were in jeopardy. But even if they support worthy causes, nonprofits should be relying on private donations, not government handouts. Importantly, DOGE is exposing some nongovernmental organizations engaging in activities contrary to taxpayers’ and American interests.

It’s normal to expect immigrants to come to this country through the legal process. It’s normal to expect governments to spend our money wisely. I think those opposed are special-interest groups relying on government funding and employers whose business models depend on cheap labor. It’s no surprise they’re pushing back now with apparent hyperbole and fear mongering.

Voters asked for a return to normalcy last fall. They should get it.

— Michael Hartnett, Bloomington (Indiana)

Quiet America reshaping will impact everyone here

Look around your dinner table tonight. That’s who I believe is being put into danger by the actions of the Trump administration — not some distant “other” Americans, but your family, my family, all of our families.

While we debate partisan politics, I think forces are quietly reshaping America in ways that will touch every single one of us, regardless of how we vote (or whether we get to vote at all). I worry decisions are being made that could send our children into harm’s way in Gaza, strip away medical care that keeps our parents alive or demolish the basic health-care protections that ensure women don’t die during unsafe abortion procedures.

The trade wars brewing aren’t just abstract economic policy, they’re direct threats to your job, your savings and your retirement. I no longer consider these just hypothetical possibilities. They’re dominoes that have already started falling.

We can still act, but only if we recognize that this isn’t about “left versus right” — it’s about preserving the fundamental securities that let American families thrive. The question isn’t whether these changes will affect you, it’s whether you’ll see them coming in time to do something about it.

— Glenn Sauber, San Rafael

Firm belief that Trump is following ‘Project 2025’

I am disappointed by recent letters to the editor from apparent neo-conservatives about how President Donald Trump is simply doing everything he promised to do during the campaign.

I think Trump is lying when he says he isn’t following the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” report, which was clearly written to help him expand presidential power and impose an ultra-conservative social vision.

One thing Trump did not promise during the campaign was the appointment of an unelected “co-president” who appears to have powers to break laws and examine personal information. Yet, Elon Musk seems to be just that.

Too many good people have been conned by Trump, the ultimate “grifter in chief,” and they still don’t realize it.

— Philip Hicks, San Anselmo

Bring back logging to reduce wildfire risk

I think there is a correlation between the catastrophic wildfires and California officials putting heavy restrictions on logging. We need to evaluate how we keep our forest under control.

I know the impacts of climate change cause some of the problems, but there has to be more to it.

The threat remains, even as we all try to keep our property cleared. Maybe it is time to start clearing our forests, so fires can be brought under control. Our skyrocketing home insurance costs are unsustainable.

— Virginia Kerbs, Woodacre