Marin Readers Advocate for Paramedics, Social Workers, and Compassion in Local Politics

Letters to the editor discuss emergency response, school board endorsements, and the unifying spirit of spring religious traditions

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:56pm

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An abstract, fractured painting in shades of blue, green, and gray depicting overlapping images of a government building, a medical emergency vehicle, and a group of diverse people gathered in a community setting, conceptually representing the complex intersection of public safety, community values, and local politics in Marin County.The convergence of public safety, community values, and local politics in Marin County is captured in a dynamic, avant-garde painting.San Rafael Today

In a series of letters to the editor, Marin County residents discuss the need for specialized emergency response teams, endorse a candidate for county supervisor, and reflect on the shared messages of renewal and compassion found in recent religious celebrations like Easter, Passover, and Ramadan.

Why it matters

These letters highlight important local issues around public safety, education policy, and community values that are relevant to Marin County residents. They showcase diverse perspectives on how to best address mental health crises, the role of county supervisors, and the potential for religious and spiritual traditions to bring people together.

The details

The first letter argues that Marin County should follow the lead of other communities in deploying Crisis Intervention Teams consisting of paramedics and social workers to respond to non-violent incidents involving mental health, addiction, or homelessness. The author believes this approach is more appropriate than relying solely on police officers. The second letter is an endorsement of Mary Sackett for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat. The author, a local school board trustee, praises Sackett's expertise, diligence, and ability to deliver results on key issues like land use, transportation, and public health. The final letter reflects on the shared messages of renewal, liberation, and compassion found in the recent convergence of Easter, Passover, and Ramadan celebrations in Marin. The author argues these traditions offer a 'roadmap' for the community to embrace its diversity and find common cause.

  • The letters were published on April 18, 2026.

The players

Dr. Robert Bundy

A resident of Corte Madera who advocates for the use of Crisis Intervention Teams consisting of paramedics and social workers to respond to certain emergency calls.

Caitlin McShane

A trustee for the Miller Creek School District who is endorsing Mary Sackett for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat.

Mary Sackett

The candidate for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat who has earned the endorsement of local elected officials and community leaders.

Robert A. Rees

A resident of Novato who reflects on the shared messages of renewal, liberation, and compassion found in the recent convergence of Easter, Passover, and Ramadan celebrations in Marin County.

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What they’re saying

“Many communities, including here in Marin County, have found a better way of responding to mental health, addiction and homeless issues. I'm referring to the Crisis Intervention Team. These usually consist of a paramedic and social worker who respond to nonviolent incidents. While they may need police backup in some situations, the police are not directly involved in most cases. The CIT provides more options for the individual and is not seen as a threatening force.”

— Dr. Robert Bundy, Resident of Corte Madera

“Sackett knows this district inside and out. She's earned the endorsement of every sitting supervisor, San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin and representatives at every level of government — a clear testament to what her peers think of her competence and character.”

— Caitlin McShane, Miller Creek School District Trustee

“What unites these and all faith traditions is a simple but radical idea: We belong to one another. In a county as beautiful and privileged as Marin, it can be easy to retreat into our selves, our enclaves and our routines. But Easter, Passover and Ramadan, as well as other religious and spiritual celebrations and practices, move us to find common cause that unites and strengthens our communities.”

— Robert A. Rees, Resident of Novato

The takeaway

These letters highlight the diversity of perspectives and priorities within the Marin County community. While the topics range from emergency response protocols to school board endorsements to the unifying power of religious traditions, they all speak to a shared desire to address local challenges in a thoughtful, compassionate, and collaborative manner.