This student approves
of school uniforms
I'm writing to give the perspective of a student on the issue of mandating school uniforms next year for Carson Middle School and Eagle Valley Middle School.
A favorite argument among junior high students is that uniforms take away the right of self-expression and individuality. On the contrary, I see uniforms as a means of stressing the fact that designer labels and the latest fashion trends don't contribute to either of those factors.
Being forced to look the same as everyone else will encourage students to find other outlets and more creative means of expressing individuality as opposed to the seldom inexpensive and occasionally inappropriate means through apparel.
Shruti Arun
Carson City
No new taxes, but those fees are something else
I don't know how many readers of the Nevada Appeal have recently received their automobile registration renewal notice but to those who have an older vehicle as I do, better be prepared for a shock.
Last year the total renewal fees for my 1994 vehicle were $93. That was $60 based upon the depreciated value of the vehicle and the mandatory $33 for the state.
The renewal fee for 2010 was $213! The fee on the depreciated value on my vehicle now that it is one year older was $180 - and increase of 300 percent from last year plus the mandatory state fee of $33.
I was told by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicle that the renewal fee was correct and it was especially higher on older vehicles due to the way the depreciation fee is calculated. So to all you old timers, like me, be forewarned that it is going to have a significant impact on you, too.
Gov. Gibbons and Legislators, thank you very much for not imposing any new taxes. Based upon what you did to us with the registration renewal fees, I can only imagine what you might have done to us with tax increases.
Gil Yanuck
Carson City
Arts coalition does not advance agendas
I am the current chair of the Carson City Arts and Cultural Coalition. I read an article in the June 4 paper, and I wanted to bring a concern to your attention. On June 3 at the supervisors' meeting, Rob Joiner stated that he understood from our candidate's forum that the arts and cultural community preferred a theater to a new library.
The Carson City Arts and Cultural Coalition is a collaborative of all types of art and cultural entities in Carson City - our mission is to support one another. We do not advance one agenda over another, and are disappointed that Mr. Joiner chose to speak on behalf of the coalition.
The planned library in downtown has enthusiastic support from not only members of the coalition, but also from the Carson City Arts and Cultural Commission.
Denise Gillott
CCACC
Dayton principal deserves praise for great year
I would like to acknowledge Michele Van Voorst, the principal of Hugh Gallagher Elementary.
She is a great principal and the following are some of the reasons why: She is a leader who is very caring, sincere, and full of energy. She is very professional and is respected by the parents and staff of Hugh Gallagher Elementary.
Please join me in acknowledging the principal known as "Mrs. V" for a great year, and if there is an award for Best Principal of the Year she has my vote.
Sonja Sacks
Dayton
Why can't candidates take the high road?
Politics as usual? With the election season upon us, it seems the negativity gets worse by the day. The number of mudslinging ads continues to increase. Candidates take cheap shots at their opponents, and as a young person, it is very disappointing. It seems like they attack others more than they talk about their own commendable attributes. I would rather learn about what makes them qualified than what they believe makes their opponent unworthy.
Much of what these negative ads say is untruthful and blown out of proportion. Many facts are manipulated or irrelevant. The ads appeal to emotion, and they trigger anger toward the targeted candidate. These ads may be effective, but effective does not necessarily mean right.
I recently ran in a class election at Carson High School, and a campaign rule was that we couldn't talk badly about the other candidates. Because of this, time and effort was focused on gaining respect based on things like personal ability and experience.
Although I'm not quite old enough to vote, I'm looking forward to participating in the political process. I just hope that by the time I can do so there is more civility and that there are candidates with real integrity who desire only to serve the public interest and not their personal interests.
Alana Woodbury
Carson City