Give us access to government service

I take exception to The Bee's editorial "Make holiday furlough permanent" (Dec. 28). I was walking in front of city offices during this week, and three people were banging on the front doors wanting to pay their water and garbage bills. One lady said her water was noticed to be turned off that day if not paid. I kept on walking to the Modesto Irrigation District office and paid my electric bill to nice employees; they were open.

People are sick and tired of not having common access to government services.

We pay our taxes and fees; how about some decent consumer services and communication? One example is the state Employment Development Department. It can take hours to get someone on the phone to answer questions. One small state agency, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, does not even accept phone calls anymore, you must e-mail them and they will respond in two or three weeks, maybe.

This is an increasing trend of nonservice that is making folks mad and distrustful of government. Some agencies are doing a better job, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, which has reformed after lengthy protests.

DANIEL MARSH

Modesto