Letters to the editor

Governor should be in Carson City

Why is it even a question of who should live in the Governor's Mansion? Since Dawn Gibbons isn't our governor, I resent that my tax dollars are paying her living expenses. It's just another example of Jim and Dawn Gibbons doing what they want to without regard to what is right. I say, let her live in their Reno residence so our governor will be where he's supposed to be " here in Carson City.

SANDRA HAWK

Minden

Acting experience was life-changing

I a writing about an incredible experience I had during the past few months. It wasn't a grand adventure for daredevils " no skydiving, jungles, or ferocious beasts were involved. However, the experience was just as thrilling " though perhaps not quite as frightening. This experience was participation in the latest production at Wild Horse Children's Theater " "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."

I still remember the first day of nerve-wracking auditions. I hadn't done community plays before this one, and the prospect of auditioning without a face or acquaintance with the directors was daunting. However, everyone was very pleasant from first auditions to callbacks.

I refreshed the cast list page every 10 seconds before finding out that I had gotten the part of the White Witch in Cat B (the play is double cast). Overjoyed, I counted the minutes to our first rehearsal which was surprisingly on the day of my 14th birthday.

I was still nervous, unsure of what the people there would be like. When I joined the other cast members, though, conversation flowed with those I had never even met before. And in that instant, I knew I belonged there. That was one of the best birthdays I have ever had.

Since then, I have developed some close relationships with other cast members. At my school, my class of 17 gets along very well most of the time. However, sometimes I feel awkward and out of place with people I have know for nine years. At play rehearsal, it wasn't like that. I always felt like I fit right in. I never had to guess what people were thinking, and rarely people gossip. I literally count the hours until I can see the cast again and constantly talk about my friends at rehearsal. Coming out of practice, I would radiate "good vibes" " and just feel good. Once when I was just having a bad day, everyone " even people I didn't know - was so supportive. Two girls in particular gave me worldly advice " to never doubt myself.

When Narnia came together, I was impressed. The costumes, props, snow machine and set were all incredible. Major kudos to the coordinators and directors, especially Elaine Bard, who put an incredible amount of work into everything!

Before our first show, we were all nervous. But we knew we were all in it together and had a fantastic time from the moment we first stepped on-stage. People also helped each other when they messed up. Also, the makeup was amazing " I barely recognized some of the actors.

I used to think that it was all about getting a good part, about having a lot of lines and getting noticed. But after this experience, I know I would do any play with any part if I could be with people a wonderful as the group I met through this show. I went in knowing no one and came out having best friends. Around these friends, you can be yourself. You don't have to act like you're anybody else " except when you're on-stage.

REBECCA DOYLE

Carson City

Temporary fix not good enough for canal

The article concerning the legal problems with irrigation canal raised some questions. This earthen canal built in 1903 is prone to failure because of rodents. They plan to have a contractor continually check for rodent intrusion. This method over time will be very costly and probably dependent on the quality of work of an employee with no interest in his job. The approach is a Band-Aid that is trying to cover a bigger problem. The last paragraph says it all: "The estimated cost of such repairs ranges from $28 million to line one half of the canal with riprap to $390 million to replace the canal with a 16-foot diameter pipeline."

Over the years with evaporation of expensive water and the increased liability, I would think both sides would opt to find a way to raise the funds for the 16 inch pipe. Why do government agencies ALWAYS try to temporarily fix a problem? Probably because the problem will be on someone else's watch.

LOU DEBOTTARI

Carson City