Sen. Teresa Hughes

Sen. Hughes being approved for a taxpayer funded guard to accompany her on community visits in Los Angeles and her district outrages me. The violent crimes that plague all communities are a frightening reality and we all have to be extra cautious of our environment, day or night. I supervise social workers in a Los Angeles County department and their responsibilities include working in high-crime areas. These dedicated social workers are but one part of the public servant sector who risk their personal safety to do their job everyday. They also express concern, as Hughes, of becoming a crime victim.

If I were a constituent of Hughes, I would be insulted by her actions. The Senate Rules Committee members should be ashamed of themselves for wasting taxpayer dollars on this issue when public services throughout California are under the threat of being reduced or cut.

AMELIA R. MEDRANO, LCSW

Monterey Park