Michael Smolensky

I am a voter and a taxpayer and I am confused. The publication accompanying this request for comments on the proposed amendment explains (1) the substance of this amendment has been the practice between the Commission and Coast Guard for the past six years, and (2) the drawbridges have not had traffic on these particular holidays for the past nine years. There's an old expression: If the wheel ain't broke, don't fix it. I don't see what's broken here. I am honestly delighted that employees are able to spend the holidays with their families. I think that the employees should definitely be able to spend the holidays with their families. Clearly the Coast Guard and the Commission figured out a way to allow the employees to spend the holidays with their families. In fact, their solution has worked successfully for the past 6 years. I honestly don't understand the need for the amendment. There are 2 potential scenarios now: (1) If the rule is amended, then the Commission doesn't have to get authorization from the Coast Guard for the holidays. (2) If the rule is not amended, then the course of conduct indicates that the Commission can request the accommodation, and all things being equal the Coast Guard will authorize it. Either way, the purpose of the proposed amendment, namely allowing employees to spend the holidays with their families, is achieved. So that means this whole notice-and-comment rule amendment is really a colossal waste of time for the government. I don't know whose idea it was to amend the rule. I suggest that you trim the fat, gentlemen!