Permanent city furlough a bad idea

Your editorial "Make holiday furlough permanent" (Opinions, Dec. 28) advocating a permanent unpaid Christmas to New Year holiday furlough for Modesto city government employees was not well thought out.

Do you think that anyone other than the independently wealthy wants an unpaid week off work on a regular basis? Do you think anyone needs all of his income around the holidays to buy gifts and pay other expenses?

A large number of employees are paid very low wages. Do you think that the low-paid employees are harmed each year by the furlough? Does the bank grant a furlough on mortgage payments? Do creditors grant a furlough on debt? Does anyone get a furlough from needing to eat?

Would a permanent annual holiday furlough discourage talented candidates from seeking employment with the city of Modesto? Most employees work hard and are loyal to their employer. Regardless of whether one works in the public or private sector, employees should be treated fairly and with respect to their needs.

Please reconsider your opinion.

BRUCE R. FROHMAN

Modesto