Letters to the editor Oct. 20

Abowd ready to shape better future for city

I am writing this letter to endorse Karen Abowd for City Supervisor Ward 1. I have worked in Carson City for more than 29 years and been a resident for the last 18 years. As a historian and the state archivist my knowledge of politics has shown me how important civic engagement is to the well-being of a community.

Nevada is mired in its worst economic crisis in state history. The nature of our tourism/service economy put us first in line for the Great Recession and most experts agree we will be last to see it end years from now. I also see the dramatic consequence of the downsizing of state government and know that further reductions are certain - this magnifies Carson City's economic struggles.

These facts demand we approach solutions with a profound sense of urgency, and Karen Abowd will do just that. As a business owner, she recognizes that the do-nothing, wait-it-out approach is short-sighted and a formula for failure.

As a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the City Center Project I have witnessed the skepticism and distrust of those who fear the project and change in general. However, Karen has expressed a willingness to do the hard work and make difficult decisions that could provide workable solutions to our economic challenges.

I sincerely believe Karen Abowd will help us design a future and invest in a community we all want to live in. She has my enthusiastic support.

Guy Louis Rocha

Carson City

Re-elect Allen Veil as Lyon County sheriff

I am writing to encourage everyone to vote for Sheriff Allen Veil. Sheriff Veil spent his entire adult life in law enforcement and has the background, training and experience to serve as Lyon County Sheriff. The job of sheriff is not to be a street cop. The job is an administrative position requiring expertise in supervision, training, grant writing, budgeting and management.

Sheriff Veil, a graduate of UNR, has also received basic, intermediate, advanced and management certificates from the Nevada Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission and attended other training courses as well.

His opponent began his career as a deputy sheriff and ended it as a deputy sheriff, gaining none of these skills. Nor does his opponent mention receiving any of these training certificates beyond the basic course, which is required of all peace officers.

In addition, since Sheriff Veil took office, the number of citizen complaints has dropped significantly all around the county. When complaints are received, they are addressed promptly and in a professional manner. This was not true under prior administrations.

It is true Sheriff Veil's opponent received the endorsement of the deputy sheriffs' association, but could this be because staff are now held accountable for their actions and because Sheriff Veil did not support their demands for a 15 percent salary increase this year? Again, I strongly encourage you to vote for the only qualified candidate for sheriff - Allen Veil.

Peggy Gray

Fernley

Carson City DMV staff gave excellent service

The staff at the Carson City location of the Department of Motor Vehicles deserves a huge pat on the back for excellent customer service.

I arrived at the DMV office early on a Friday morning with several difficult DMV issues. I was shuffled from station to station and attended to by five different clerks, but all the while, I was treated courteously, respectfully and with great efficiency.

Thanks to those specific clerks - Ruth, Jennifer, Desiree, Sherry and Ellie. In summary, no need to dread a visit to the DMV if you go to the Carson location.

Elaine Manoukian

Reno

Publicity of 'Unspeakables' helped Dayton food pantry

This is a note to compliment your feature writer, Karel Ancona-Henry.

I am one of your many subscribers in Dayton. I have currently been taking reservations for The Misfits Theater's production of "The Unspeakables," a performance for the benefit of the Food Pantry. Until Ms. Ancona-Henry's article in the Oct. 7 issue, many in the community did not know about our efforts to aid the vitally important Food Pantry.

As a result of her well-written and concise article, I received a call at

7:30 a.m. from a man who reserved tickets and said the article was the reason he was calling. He said, "I'll have a couple of hours of entertainment and help the Food Pantry at the same time. What a win-win situation."

And, more calls followed that one. Thanks to your excellent writer for getting the word out.

Carol E. Bauer

Dayton