Lifetime of commitment from federal workers
In the heart of Normandy Park, Kirsten Pangelinan, a dedicated civil servant, has been unexpectedly affected by the wave of restructuring sweeping through government agencies. Despite the success of her work on the online passport renewal system, a groundbreaking initiative by the U.S. government, Pangelinan found herself RIFed (reduced in force), likely due to broader organizational restructuring and budget or policy-driven layoffs.
The Department of State, like many other federal agencies, has revised its layoff procedures to allow for more granular "competitive areas." This means the agency can pick which posts, regions, bureaus, or skillsets to reduce, often driven by budget constraints or reorganization goals unrelated to employee project achievements. As a result, even employees who contributed to successful initiatives can be laid off if their positions fall within affected areas.
Pangelinan's contribution to the online passport renewal system's success was noteworthy. She had worked tirelessly on its implementation, a fact that made her layoff all the more surprising. Just a week after the celebration of the system's success, Pangelinan was let go, a stark reminder of the uncertain nature of public service in today's climate.
This situation is not unique. Across the country, civil servants who have devoted their lives to public service are being let go regardless of the good they are doing. It is a trend that has been observed in agencies such as the State Department and the Education Department during mid-2025, with layoffs occurring for budgetary and strategic reasons.
Meanwhile, the world continues to evolve. Eighty atomic years have passed, serving as a warning for Washington state and the world. The closure of newspapers in Oregon adds to the sense of change, while the problem of polarization continues to cost the country $2 billion a day.
In the midst of these changes, there is a call for moving forward with homes, not handcuffs. Michael Lewis, in his book "Who Is Government?: The Untold Story of Public Service," explores the untold stories of public service, providing insights into the challenges faced by dedicated individuals like Kirsten Pangelinan.
As we move forward, it is essential to remember the value of public service and the individuals who dedicate their lives to it. The editorial board of our website has made endorsements for the Aug. 5, 2025, primary, encouraging readers to consider the importance of supporting those who serve our communities.
Michael Hiltzik, in a recent column, praised the success of the online passport renewal system, highlighting the hard work and dedication of civil servants like Kirsten Pangelinan. As we navigate the challenges of the future, let us not forget the contributions of these individuals and the need to support them in their vital work.
- The editorial board of our website has encouraged readers to consider the importance of supporting those who serve our communities, including civil servants like Kirsten Pangelinan, in light of the budgetary and strategic layoffs affecting agencies such as the Department of State and the Education Department.
- Michael Hiltzik, in a recent column, praised the success of the online passport renewal system and highlighted the hard work and dedication of civil servants like Kirsten Pangelinan, who was recently RIFed despite her contribution to the system's success.
- The trend of layoffs in government agencies, such as the Department of State and the Education Department, has been observed in the midst of changes across the country and the world, including the closure of newspapers in Oregon and the ongoing problem of polarization costing the country $2 billion a day.
