Beth Walker's story "Budget cuts will affect all services in the city" in the Jan. 21 issue is filled with examples of service cuts such as police, fire, libraries and other services that all residents utilize.

Cutting services that taxpayers use is a standard ploy of bureaucrats. They never talk about cutting services to special interest groups, but don't hesitate when it pertains to those groups and individuals who frequently find themselves in need.

The private sector has had to cope with layoffs, pay cuts, longer workdays, days off without pay and increased contributions to insurance plans.

Government employees never endure pay cuts. Thanks to government unions, they retire in their 50s with almost 80 percent of their salary and full health benefits. It's little wonder, then, that we had a recall at the state level.

Jerry Mungai

San Jose