For years I had been wondering why we never get anything accomplished in government. Then it dawned on me. Our elected officials get the same benefits as government employees. They are all in bed with each other.

The job of elected officials is to protect the taxpayers, or the private sector. Elected officials should not be considered government employees. I am talking about all elected officials — city, county, state, and the federal government.

Our legislators get free or cheap health care, dental, eye care, and if they opt out of the state health-care plan, they receive $733 per month. There are people in the private sector that get health care paid by their employer, but if i do not like the free health-care plan they are receiving, I do not have to shop at their business.

Government is much different. If I do not like their plan, I can not opt out. If I do not pay my taxes they steal my home.

Elected officials should get paid, but without all the benefits. I think the sheriff should not wear a uniform either; he should wear a suit because his job is to protect the taxpayers, and not the deputies. —Fred Hammel, Kalispell