Letters to the Editor Debate SMART Train's Future

Readers weigh in on hospital ships, public transit, and billionaire taxes

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a series of letters to the editor, readers discuss a range of political topics, including a proposal to send a U.S. Navy hospital ship to Greenland, the future of the SMART train system in California's Sonoma County, and the potential impacts of a proposed billionaire tax in the state.

Why it matters

These letters provide a window into the diverse perspectives and debates happening within the local community around key political and policy issues. They highlight the tensions between competing priorities, the challenges of funding public services, and the broader ideological divides shaping the political landscape.

The details

The letters cover several distinct topics. One reader suggests that instead of sending a hospital ship to Greenland, the ship should be sent to Florida to provide care for the uninsured. Another reader argues in favor of continuing to support the SMART train system in Sonoma County, despite criticisms, noting the benefits of the regional transportation network. A third reader expresses concern about the potential unintended consequences of a proposed billionaire tax in California, drawing parallels to challenges faced in New York City.

  • The letters were published on February 27, 2026.

The players

Jim Coleman

A resident of Santa Rosa, California.

Alan B. Cohen

A resident of Healdsburg, California.

Ron Taylor

A resident of Santa Rosa, California.

Richard Harder

A resident of Santa Rosa, California.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Instead of Greenland, I suggest the president send the hospital ship to Florida, where 13.9%, or 3.3 million Floridians, are without health care. Trump's Mar-a-Lago is in Palm Beach County, where over 265,000 residents receive no health care assistance at all.”

— Jim Coleman (The Press Democrat)

“To throw away all that has been built would be so wasteful. With the train getting to Windsor and now mostly funded to Healdsburg, ridership is up and the trajectory is positive. The bike and pedestrian paths are widely used and will continue to be added and maintained by SMART.”

— Alan B. Cohen (The Press Democrat)

“Communities see the good in having a transit system (such as our county and city bus systems), and we help make it happen. Why would someone be against this? We need these systems to make our community fully functional.”

— Ron Taylor (The Press Democrat)

“California should take note. The proposed billionaire tax here is billed as a one-time levy on the ultra-rich. But our state budget already leans heavily on high-income earners for a large share of revenue. If those taxpayers leave, they take their tax payments and jobs with them, blowing a hole in the budget.”

— Richard Harder (The Press Democrat)

The takeaway

These letters highlight the ongoing debates and tensions within the local community around key political and policy issues, from the funding of public services like the SMART train to the potential impacts of new taxes on the wealthy. They underscore the complex tradeoffs and unintended consequences that policymakers must navigate as they seek to address the needs and concerns of diverse constituents.