Candidate's program puts retired cops in schools
For as long as I can remember, Carson High School students have gone to the area of the Rock House to smoke and hang out during breaks, as highlighted in the Nevada Appeal article, "Complex manager upset over disruptive teens."
Between 1992 and 1994 while in patrol, I would position myself on Beverly Drive because students would use that street to avoid the light at Long Street when they went to lunch at McDonalds on North Carson Street. I would then position myself at the intersection of Molly and Marian streets, where I would catch some of the same teens running through the stop sign trying to make it back to school before they were late.
Gordon Graham says, "If it's predictable, it's preventable." It's predictable that students will congregate near the Rock House, smoking cigarettes, pot and creating problems - it has been going on for years. I believe it's the responsibility of the Sheriff's Office and school officials to ensure these students do not use drugs or create an unsafe environment for pedestrians or drivers.
A major part of law enforcement is "deterrence by presence." My Retired Annuitant Program, hiring retired officers to supplement existing staff, will assist with the need for cops in the schools. The first officers will be placed in the high school and middle schools to deal with school violence and drug use. We in public safety have the responsibility to ensure the safety of all students.
Bob White
Carson City
Candidate for Sheriff
Candidate's experience makes him ready for job
Gil Yanuck asks a good question about supervisor candidates' readiness to be on the board. I have extensive knowledge and related experience for the job of a Carson City supervisor. My experience comes from years of volunteer service on Carson City advisory boards - Parks and Recreation, Debt Management Committee, Cable Commission and currently the Audit Committee - and other local government leadership.
My knowledge of local government finance, management and fiscal planning, long- and short-term, employee bargaining, long-term finance - bonds, TIFs, Pay as You Go - being an effective member of a policy board, dealing with citizen input and seeking citizen input spans more than 16 years.
As a CPA I have extensive experience and training in financial matters, dealing with people and meeting their needs. My learning curve to assume the duties of a Carson City supervisor is not steep, and I will be able to fully, intelligently represent the citizens of Carson City as a knowledgeable independent voice on my first day, should you choose to elect me.
John McKenna
Carson City
Saying goodbye to a special father-in-law
I woke up this morning very early, about 3 a.m. to be exact, to whispering - the kind of whispering you hear when you are talking to a loved one far away, the sound of words being exchanged between souls connected. The words were calm, the words were loving, the words were full of many things; a lot of remember whens and stories, his awesomely incredible stories.
I knew he was ill and in the hospital, we talked about that, too. I found out through my daughter that he was very sick and she told me then that she was scared. I was asked to go see him, and stop by to see his wife, which I had planned to do this morning but his words let me know I would not make it in time.
I asked him if he was ready to go to Heaven. He said yes, he was so ready. I asked him if he saw the light and I told him it was OK to go. He was so tired and he thanked me for the years of love, the years of just being close to him, for being a part of his family.
I admired him, I loved him. Today my father-in-law passed away. I love you Gramps. I will always be your daughter-in-law.
Candy Albertsen
Dayton
Parks foundation could serve as example
I was happy to read Jo Saulisberry's letter to the editor promoting the Foundation for the Betterment of Carson City Parks and Recreation. Unfortunately, the Appeal's coverage of the recent candidate forum made it appear that I was unaware of this foundation.
I am well aware of the Parks Foundation, and in fact, have donated to it. As a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, I have been a strong supporter of this foundation. The beauty of the Parks Foundation is that you can make a tax deductible contribution to the project of your choice, whether large or small.
At the candidate forum, I stated that perhaps other city departments could create a similar foundation. I understand that this would not be a panacea to the city's budget woes and that people won't be lining up to donate funds to the city. However, there have been donations to the Parks Foundation that have funded various projects. If you are interested in donating to this foundation, contact Fred Stanio at 882-7403.
Sean Lehmann
Carson City