To the Editor,

I was a federal employee for over twenty years, and I find it very refreshing that President-elect Trump has decided to finally address the problems that have plagued the federal workforce for many years.

The phrase “waste, fraud and abuse” pretty much describes how things work in the federal workplace.

Monetary awards given to individuals for simply doing their job was rampant. Promotions have been given through nepotism or friendship leading to individuals with no management experience being placed in charge of important positions.

I experienced being placed in a hostile environment by individuals who believed that since I was a combat veteran I was a dangerous person to work with.

They tried many times to get me fired by using lies against me.

I finally had to go to Senator Whitehouse for his help and support. He stopped the inquisition and allowed me to retire with honors.

While an employee of OSHA, I also witnessed inept staff – whose job was to protect workers – who were both lazy and incompetent.

These employees were paid six-figure salaries and barely worked in the field, staying in the comfort of their offices, and were allowed to work from home before the Covid pandemic.

How can a person who is supposed to be in the field visit work sites from their living room?

I hope that President-elect Trump follows through on his promise, because in many ways he will be saving the lives of Americans.

John Cervone

North Providence