Most don't draw huge pensions

Regarding "Public employee pensions too high" (June 19, Letters): I am a retired public employee who worked for a utility company for 23 years. My retirement is less than $18,000 a year. Not everyone makes $60,000 a year retirement, just a select few you read about all the time. Many have small retirements.

We chose to work where we did, just as you chose to be a farmer. I appreciate farmers. I know many; my grandfather was one and I know the long, unappreciated hours. But if we public employees didn't work as we did, we wouldn't have the money to purchase products you produce and want to sell. The road goes both ways.

I agree there are many that earn more and work many less years (the governor and legislators). There are many far from this level. My husband, also a public employee, worked 16-hour days and changed shifts weekly. Many times he could not go home because a relief didn't come in. He helped produce your much-valued water to irrigate with. You are not the only one that breaks his back or has long hours. You would not want to trade with a few of these positions either. Your job as a farmer is not the only one that is difficult — it was your choice.

CHRISTINE McGREGOR

Modesto