Administration is a threat to the integrity of the EPA

For 40 years, I had the privilege of serving at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 9 headquarters in San Francisco. I worked alongside committed public servants — environmental scientists, engineers and emergency responders, as well as legal and policy experts — all devoted to a singular mission: protecting human health and the environment.

These professionals are of exceptional competence and integrity, and many are our neighbors throughout Marin, and all of California.

Today, that integrity is under threat. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has proposed a rule that would allow the president to reclassify large numbers of career federal employees as “Schedule F,” which would effectively strip them of long-established civil service professional practices. Under these rules, employees could be hired or dismissed at will.

I am concerned it will be based on political loyalty rather than merit.

This proposal undermines the foundational principles of federal service.

The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 was enacted to end the patronage-based “spoils system” and establish a professional workforce, hired and promoted on the basis of competence and achievement, not political affiliation or personal connection.

Those at the EPA understand the importance of nonpartisan expertise. Whether it’s cleaning up industrial contamination, improving rural water systems, restoring coastal wetlands or regulating emissions from refineries or power plants, our communities rely on the professionalism and independence of the EPA staff.

Undermining those values risks weakening the very systems that protect public health and natural resources. This is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment. It is a direct challenge to the principles of good governance.

Reintroducing political litmus tests into the federal workforce would erode morale, diminish effectiveness and open the door to favoritism and corruption, precisely the abuses that civil service reform was designed to prevent.

We must stand together to preserve a professional, nonpartisan federal civil service.

— Amy Zimpfer, Mill Valley

Marin GOP’s platform doesn’t warrant support

I am writing in response to the recently published Marin Voice commentary by Tief Gibbs, the secretary of the Marin Republican Central Committee (“New Marin GOP secretary shares committee’s fresh focus,” May 27).

I worry that the committee’s platform is an attempt to rebrand the “Make America Great Again” movement as a fresh force of reason and revival.

I expect it to fall flat, not because the vast majority of county residents don’t understand the Marin GOP’s message, but because we do, and no amount of friendly rhetoric can hide the repetitive patterns of what I consider to be misdirection, revisionism and political gaslighting. I expect Marin voters to see straight through it.

Gibbs claims that conservative policies “deliver results.” From my perspective, that can only be afforded credence if she means skyrocketing inequality, underfunded schools, a dismantled public health system, erosion of environmental protections and the threat of a massive spike in the national deficit.

She suggests that “America First values have broad appeal.” But many are concerned that “America First” movements have been historically and ideologically associated with isolationism, xenophobia and nationalism.

By not acknowledging that history, it’s as if Gibbs is assuming Marin residents are primed to fall for this recycled branding of extremism.

I firmly believe the continuing decline in support for the Marin GOP is due to its members’ complete failure to grapple with being dangerously unmoored to science, sustainability, reproductive freedom and civil rights.

— Dan Maher, Novato

San Anselmo downtown parking plan is a bummer

In an apparent effort to squeeze more revenue out of us (because, evidently, property taxes don’t seem to be cutting it), the San Anselmo authorities have decided that, as of this week, visitors to our lovely little town will have to pay for parking (“San Anselmo creates new parking zone, hikes rates,” Feb. 28).

Gone are the days of a carefree run into Comforts restaurant for some takeout chicken salad or a quick stop into the Post Office for stamps. Now we must fumble in our pockets and purses for our phones, find the app, plug in times, dates, numbers and more for the “privilege” of putting yet more money into San Anselmo’s coffers.

I’m amazed that business owners aren’t up in arms about the obvious loss of revenue this will cause to the many independent and charming stores we have downtown.

I can’t stand the look of the hideous payment boxes now lining the main road with their gaudy signage. I expect that side roads will become choked with cars trying to avoid all of the above, and displaced residents will see their usual parking spaces near their homes disappear.

What a debacle. We should spend our money in Fairfax instead.

— Angela Barlow, San Anselmo

Trump needs to leave schools, hospitals alone

It appears to me that our schools and hospitals (as well as almost everything else that helps ordinary citizens) are being taken away from us by the current administration.

Will there be an America left if President Donald Trump is allowed to make decisions like this?

I think too many Republicans who love their country are remaining silent. I hope all regular citizens are paying attention to what is going on in Washington.

Please stop and look at Trump’s cabinet. I worry that some members are corrupt. Many appear to be ill-equipped to make important decisions. I think U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a good example.

I call on all Americans to use their heads before it’s too late. If we don’t do something soon, our power will be gone. I worry Trump will anoint himself “king of America.” How is it that a man with 34 felony prosecutions — and, not long ago, no political experience — went from being a TV personality to president of the United States?

— Sally Seymour, Larkspur

Novato Italian restaurant was a pleasant surprise

As a former longtime Marin resident, I admit to being a “foodie.” I actively seek out restaurants with the tastiest and freshest foods when I dine out. I am more often than disappointed.

Am I a snob? Maybe. But I do care very much about where and what I spend my hard-earned money on. Recently, my husband and I found ourselves in Novato — we were awaiting the traffic to abate before we traveled home.

We decided to find a place for dinner, but didn’t have a place in mind. We were parked on Grant Avenue right across the street from a restaurant called The Village, located in a former church.

My husband asked, “Shall we give it a try?” With my usual skepticism, I agreed. And, voila, there it was — a restaurant that very quickly entered my book of favorites in the Bay Area.

The Village is an Italian restaurant featuring creative pizzas and a full-blown menu of Italian dishes, beautifully prepared and presented by an amazing, professional staff of servers. Beginning with the drinks (a Maker’s Manhattan and a Grey Goose Martini — superb), through a fresh and tasty salad, a main course that made me want to lick the plate.

It was some of the very best food I have ever tasted. I opted for the clams on fettuccine, while my husband picked a penne topped with fresh chicken — both served with the best garlic rolls ever. We had bread pudding for dessert. I highly recommend it. Bravissimo.

— Sue Campbell, Fairfield