Letters to the editor Oct. 23

Joiner committed to sound fiscal practices

In the race for Ward 1 supervisor, Rob Joiner is a good choice. Mr. Joiner has valuable and needed experience in municipal administration and will bring strong representation to small business here in Carson City. I have served with Mr. Joiner on the Silver Oak Community Association Board and have witnessed his commitment to financial responsibility, open dialogue, and transparency in government.

As the Nevada economy continues to slog its way through the worst recession since the Depression, it is critical to manage our financial resources with care. Mr. Joiner believes that it is wrong to commit large amounts of taxpayer money without the consent that can only come in the form of a vote of the people. As a businessman who has been making payrolls in this community for almost 20 years, I agree with him.

Though certain elements of the Nugget project are interesting, the financial structure places an unattractive amount of financial risk on the shoulders of the Carson City taxpayers. Carson City consists of more than just the downtown area and there are many areas of this city that are in need of attention and improvement. Mr. Joiner stands prepared to engage the people of Carson City in productive and realistic discussion on the subject of community revitalization.

Many of those touting the benefits of the Nugget project stand to personally benefit from the project should it move forward. Mr. Neighbors' candidate endorsement is motivated by personal gain. He doesn't even live here.

Mark Turner

Carson City

Former sheriff candidate supports Furlong's re-election

I am writing in response to Diana Rollins' letter concerning endorsements by associations in the sheriff's race. To answer her first question, I ran for sheriff because it was a personal goal of mine. Let's look at the facts about these political endorsements: The Deputies Association endorsement for Deputy Guimont is a no-brainer; that association has funded his campaign to the tune of $13,000-plus, and Guimont made comments he would suspend the Rules of Conduct. As a previous member of the Carson City Sheriff's Supervisor Association, this endorsement is a farce. There are 17 supervisors at the Sheriff's Office ranging from captain to sergeant. Of the 17 only five voted to endorse Deputy Guimont. Four voted for Sheriff Furlong, three for me, four didn't vote for anyone, and one did not vote. When you look at the actual voting, Guimont does not have the majority of the supervisors; in fact the majority support other individuals.

The other association's endorsement is meaningless because they only follow suit with the local unions and actually don't know any of Guimont's qualifications.

I hope citizens look at the qualifications and don't listen to baseless ramblings about what is happening in Carson City with gangs and crime. You have a choice: Sheriff Furlong, who has implemented plans and programs to address crime and gangs in our community, or his opponent, who has done nothing to better the community, himself or the law enforcement profession.

Bob White

Former candidate for

Carson City Sheriff

Candidate vows to work for schools

The 2011 Legislative session begins in February with 120 days for legislators to address the issues of the state of Nevada, including more than 600 bill drafts. In accordance with the Nevada Constitution, legislators must balance the budget; there is an estimated shortfall of $3 billion. To better anticipate future budget fluctuations, I support long-term financial planning. The 2011 Legislative session is extremely important. We need a representative from Douglas County who has critical thinking skills and the ability to work with others to bring consensus. I am that representative.

It saddens me to witness firsthand the distress that large numbers of families and businesses are experiencing in Nevada. The foreclosure rate for Nevada is the highest in the nation and must be addressed in a meaningful way through programs that will restore faith in our housing industry. I support opportunities for Nevada to become the leader in renewable energy through research and development, which creates new jobs.

I would work to improve our schools so fewer students drop out and more students graduate from high school prepared to enter college, or vocational school. Our students must be prepared to compete in the global market.

I am the candidate who will make the right decisions for Nevada and I ask for your vote. Working together, we can turn things around for the state of Nevada.

Jo Etta Brown

Candidate, Assembly District 39