Don't hand Harry win with vote for 'none'
If you are registered other than a Republican or Democrat and vote for your party or none of the above, you have most likely assured a Reid victory.
We know what we got with Reid - big-government guy with no thought of individual liberty or responsibility. He wants government to control our lives.
Angle, on the other hand, is a strong constitutionalist with (a focus on) individual liberty and getting government off our backs. Let's assure an Angle victory.
Tony Klein
Minden
Dawley is responsible choice for assessor
If you dial 887-2130 you will reach the Carson City Assessors Office headed by Dave Dawley, who along with his competent staff of Kimberly, Caron, Rhonda, Tim, Steve and Don are available to help answer questions.
Dave has 17 years of experience at the Assessors Office. He has an AA in business and is a UNR graduate with a bachelor of science in accounting. He is a Certified Nevada Appraiser and is legally qualified to discuss homeowner's property assessment questions.
It is not the assessor's job to set or appropriate property taxes. That is the express responsibility of the state legislature. The assessor's job is to administer those tax laws that have been passed. If people are angry about their property taxes they need to direct that to their legislatures.
Ian Mindling, the opposing candidate, has no qualifications, except for the fact that he has worked at a real estate office. What I find disturbing is that his website makes promises to voters that he cannot legally keep. He knows nothing regarding the deadlines or laws subject to the assessor, not to mention mandates he would be responsible to fulfill. Most importantly he is not a Nevada Certified Appraiser. He has no credentials, no degrees and absolutely no experience to successfully execute the job.
We are facing very serious housing and real estate issues, now is not the time to change assessors. During those turbulent times Dave Dawley is the most responsible decision we voters can make.
Lynda Shoemaker
Carson City
Elect Joiner, Williams to board of supervisors
Our Board of Supervisors need experience, not promises. Electing both Rob Joiner and Day Williams would bring to the board exactly what is needed: experience.
Joiner's experience in city planning and economic development is exactly what is needed to enable him to immediately roll up his sleeves and join the other supervisors in addressing the numerous economic and social issues facing the city. His familiarity with the management of federal and state legislative programs will definitely come in handy as the city seeks ways to take advantage of federally funded programs. I believe his no-nonsense approach will work hand in hand with his "nuts and bolts" attitude towards spending the taxpayers' money.
Williams would add another logical and analytical thinker as well as a legally trained professional to the board. He would also like to focus on noteworthy issues such as public safety, job creation and better care for our older population in Carson City. More transparency and greater accountability on the part of the Board of Supervisors for their decisions will be a priority project for Day Williams.
There is more to Carson City than downtown and it is time to put experienced professionals on the Board of Supervisors who have nothing to personally gain from making a decision other than the knowledge that they made the best decisions for all of Carson City. I strongly suggest that you mark your ballot on Tuesday for Rob Joiner and Day Williams for Carson City supervisors.
Gil Yanuck
Carson City
Impressions on the statewide ballot questions
With respect to the statewide questions in the sample ballot, here are my impressions:
Question 1 - No. The people should never give up or dilute their right to select their judges.
Question 2 - No. The ballot question does not specify by how much the intermediate court would speed up the appeals process. Most certainly, another layer of court would be an excuse to raise all sorts of taxes in the name of paying for all the judges and their staffs, and it would most certainly add to litigation costs. So, in a real sense, this is just another one of those employment security measures for lawyers.
Like Lincoln said at Gettysburg, the government of lawyers, by lawyers, and for lawyers must not perish from this earth. The fix to too many lawsuits is loser pays.
Question 3 - No. This is an attempt to dilute one of the most rare and important provisions in any state's Constitution, which is the right of the people to vote directly on the level of taxation they impose on themselves. If the Legislature is allowed to tinker with that, we'll have runaway taxes like in California. Don't Californicate Nevada.
Question 4 - No. This will seriously reduce property rights in Nevada. PISTOL was enacted in response to the disastrous Kelo decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. This ballot question is an attempt to bring Nevada law in line with that decision. Absolutely not. Don't Californicate Nevada.
Peter Hennessey
Carson City
Government that provides creates dependent class
The basic idea behind the Tea Party movement is smaller government and lower taxes. I submit that a good way to judge governing is to ask: Is the government providing for, or is it protecting its citizens? As soon as something is provided to me by government, it makes me dependent and also destroys my initiative, while at the same time empowering the ruling elite.
The reason my relatives behind the old Iron Curtain failed is because their government was involved in every aspect of life. Do we really want our government involved to the extent that the governing elites tell us what, when and where to do it, and have us ask, "Mother may I?" every step of the way? I don't think so.
Herb Jesse
Carson City
Letter sheds light on liberals' alien values
In response to the Oct. 27 letter from John Sesney, Ph.D, who just beamed down from another solar system, thank you, thank you, thank you, for answering the questions I've had about liberals for so many years.
I have long suspected that liberals must be aliens from another planet who are gradually infiltrating our society. How else could one explain their inability to reason and use common sense and civility, their inability to debate using facts and honesty, their contempt for Christianity, their disdain for this great nation's exceptionalism, their disrespect for life, their takeover of the educational system in order to indoctrinate our children, and their general support for anything that ordinary earthlings consider bad - abortion, open borders, high taxes, loss of personal liberties.
Regarding your slam on the hot chicks on Fox News, your letter made it abundantly clear that you are not qualified to carry any one of their briefcases.
Vern Payette
Silver Springs
White House picks which rumors to pursue
Recently The White House has, without any proof whatsoever, accused the U.S. Chamber of Commerce of using foreign funds to pay for ads supporting the GOP. The White House has also insisted that the Chamber, if not using foreigns funds for said ads, prove they are not doing so.
At the same time, some people in the U.S. are insisting that our current president was born in a foreign country, yet the White House is ignoring those claims and offering no proof that he is U.S. born.
Why does the White House insist the Chamber address such unfounded claims yet ignore the unfounded claims about the president?
John DEvEnish
Carson City
A plan of action for elections in 2011
I was just looking ahead at the next two years and have decided that now is the time to give advance notices.
Beginning in July of that year, I will no longer answer the phone during breakfast or dinner, and I will definitely not answer at 1 in the morning.
I will change my mailing address to one in Costa Rica. I will discontinue watching any local channels on TV except PBS. I will no longer buy or read any local papers, or read them on my PC.
If you're soliciting votes, don't knock on my door, as I'm an advocate of the right to bear arms. Besides, if I haven't made up my mind by the end of July, you and yours are not going to do it for me. It's just a possibility that I might vote for a candidate that will say something nice about his or her opponent - maybe.
Thanks be, it's almost over with.
Phillip Gregory
Carson City
Livermore conducts campaign with integrity
Observing our mid-term elections, I find it difficult watching and listening to all the negative ads. It is unfortunate that we see this in our local politics.
I must tell you, I have a family connection to Pete Livermore, who is running for the District 40 Assembly race. Pete has run his race on issues, not negative ads.
Regardless of the outcome of this race, Pete will walk away with his dignity and the knowledge that he ran a campaign with great integrity.
Sherry Fletcher
Carson City
Sheriff Veil deserves another term in office
I have known Sheriff Allen Veil for a number of years, during which I have seen that he is a highly qualified, dedicated, experienced representative of the law-enforcement community of Nevada.
As he worked his way up through the ranks of the Lyon County Sheriff's Department, he gained the experience, knowledge and expertise required of the top law enforcement official in our county. He continues to upgrade himself in the field by involvement in ongoing training, as well as participation in programs with other governmental agencies, which only enhance the performance of all of our law-enforcement representatives.
I have been a member of the Dayton Regional Advisory Council board in Dayton for approximately four years. During my tenure on the board, Sheriff Veil and/or Lt. Rob Hall have attended most meetings as a representative of the Lyon County Sheriff's Department. They have always been receptive to input from other governmental representatives and have sought ideas which would improve the lives of all county citizens.
Noting the financial problems being experienced at all levels of government, Sheriff Veil continues to fight to retain, as well as increase, representation of Lyon County's sheriff's department. The last couple of years have been difficult in the budgetary process for all; however, Sheriff Veil has attempted to minimize the negative impact on the essential services of law enforcement.
Sheriff Veil is an asset to our county, and we recommend that he be re-elected to another four-year term.
Bob & Sharon Reed
Dayton
Furlong is the one to move department forward
I am a 20-year Carson City resident. I am watching our race for sheriff. Mr. Furlong's has been the third administration I have witnessed. He has proven a competent administrator and a good leader. I can say without a doubt, the people he has on the streets are better trained and far more professional officers.
Cowboy is a word that comes to mind when I think of the previous staffs. Mr. Guimont came up in that era. His tough talk and continuing enforcement style convince me he would like to return to the old ways.
We now have interagency cooperation where we had none. We are solving crimes more often because of it. We have better tools to enable us to address our own safety. Doubtless, there are issues we need to address, but I don't know how taking a step backwards is going to help.
Mr. Guimont is a throwback. It is better that we continue walking forward with the man we have.
Kelly Jones
Carson City
Angle's lock box for Social Security unworkable
We continue to hear of Sharron Angle's Social Security lock box plan. She says we need to put the money back into a lock box. What exactly does she mean? A questioning post to her website brought no response.
Here's what her plan appears to mean. The billions - trillions? - in the Social Security Trust Fund should be stored somewhere in cash rather than the current, as we are told, IOUs in a filing cabinet.
Does Sharron have any idea how much cash is involved? One supposes not. The largest currency presently produced is the $100 bill. It would take a large warehouse full of $100 bills stacked on pallets to hold the Social Security Trust Fund in cash.
What exactly would this accomplish? Perhaps (it would) make a few ignorant people more comfortable? The current trust fund is in IOUs backed by the U.S. government, which means as long as the U.S. government remains solvent, the money is there. What is a $100 bill? It's an IOU for $100. As long as the U.S. government remains solvent, it's worth $100. What exactly is the difference between a filing cabinet with government backed IOUs and a warehouse full of government-backed IOUs? Outside of the warehouse rent, not much.
Sharron's plan does not appear to make a lot of sense.
James Sadilek
Carson City
Harry Reid arrogant, unprofessional during debate
I am writing in response to Ann Burke's letter, "Debate performance turned off this voter." My first concern is with this newspaper, for publishing a letter by someone who states, "Her Botox cheeks and phony smile didn't earn my vote." This newspaper should hold itself to a higher caliber, and not give space to writers who make catty remarks like that. What a lame excuse for not voting for someone: you don't like their looks. But, that is only the beginning of my concerns.
Ann writes, "Reid's professional manner never allowed him to reciprocate a blow back to her." I can't help but wonder if Ann and I were watching the same debate. About 90 percent of the time Angle was debating, Reid cleared his throat. I don't find that professional. Reid also talked over his timeframe on several occasions, and conveyed arrogance with the moderator. I don't find that professional either.
"She will not create jobs." Ann seemed to think that this should be our senator's job. Last time I checked, Nevada's unemployment is at over 14 percent - Reid sure is doing a stellar job at creating jobs. I can see how you would back someone who has done so much for his own state.
Khristine Hansen-Jones
Carson City
Where is Harry's clout in luring solar projects?
The other day, I read your question to Carson City residents about why and who they would vote for in the Senate race. Two poorly informed residents responded for Harry because, while he is not perfect, he has power.
Ironically, in the Wall Street Journal it was reported that President Obama is directing the release of $7 billion for the world's largest solar farm to be built in Southern California by a German firm.
Harry has been touting his renewable energy job creation. In fact, the Department of Energy has funded $47 million in projects in Nevada - and all research projects. One project went to the University of Kansas.
We can only imagine if the so-called power of Harry had the clout our citizens believe he has, had caused the $7 billion project to be in Nevada. That would have demonstrated his power. Alas, it demonstrated his lack of power.
For all of his power, had Harry only cared for us to research it, he would have found that for years, the Desert Research Institute actually found a 100-square-mile area of Nevada where solar power is so strong that it could generate enough solar energy to power the 48 continental states. That is where the farm should have been located. Ironically, the area is around Yucca Mountain, another job creator Harry fought.
Harry does not have power - information is power. Harry has longevity, not power.
Barry Penzel
Minden
Angle represents freedom from big government
To be brief - we have had so much rhetoric, mud-slinging and lies.
Our choice as Nevadans and Americans is clear: Big government running our lives and bankrupting our nation for years to come, if not forever, or a return to small government principles - Sharron Angle or Harry Reid?
Harry is the third member of the triangle consisting of Obama and Pelosi, dictating health care reform and taxes.
Sharron proved while serving as an assemblywoman that she will stand behind what she says. Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, said of Sharron, "I guess you have to admire that she always stuck to her beliefs."
Nevadans decide. Do you want to live under the thumb of a nanny state? If so, please move to California. Or do you want to enjoy the freedoms our forefathers gave? Many lost all giving this.
Connie Chauvel-Gomez
Dayton
Republicans for Reid in pocket of casinos
Don't vote like you did in high school. Remember? You voted for the most popular kid to be student body president, not the new, geeky kid who could do a better job.
Do your homework. If you are concerned that former Republicans - in name only - are endorsing Sen. Reid, ask yourself if it is because these same men are working or lobbying for casinos. Force casinos to become more creative with their money instead of paying lobbyists.
For instance, casinos created junkets when needed, and flew in tourists to gamble. Force the Nevada Legislature to diversify with new policies.
Additionally, quit letting Nevada be first in unemployment, first in bankruptcies, first in home foreclosures and one of the last states in education success.
I still remember what I learned in high school government class: checks and balances work in U.S. government and absolute power corrupts.
Debbie Cutshaw
Gardnerville
Political ads model corrosive, bullying mentality
As election day nears, I sigh, and am relieved that there are only a few more days of political commercials on television. How many others have made the connection between these commercials and the bullying crisis in our children's lives?
These commercials are adversarial and model the kind of communication that parents and school administrators are working so hard to curtail. The media and many television programs contribute to the modeling of bully behavior. These are among the root causes of bullying.
By the next election cycle, I hope limits are placed on political commercials so that the content and delivery are appropriate for children and adults.
Cathie Thompson
Dayton
Vote for change in Supreme Court selection process
It's crazy to elect Supreme Court judges. It puts them in a position of having to raise funds. Voting yes on Question 1 will allow a panel of judges to identify good candidates and let the governor pick one. Then the public can have its chance at a no-confidence vote - one based on a report card issued by the commission.
For a fair and independent Supreme Court, vote yes on No. 1.
Sandra Koch
Carson City
One wonders why taggers singled out Guimont sign
I made an interesting observation this past Saturday while driving around Carson City. I saw that one of the political signs promoting Bob Guimont for sheriff had some graffiti on it. This sign was along Highway 50 East and east of Mills Park.
Now I am not a gang expert or an expert in graffiti but it seemed odd to me that I didn't see any of the signs promoting Sheriff Furlong vandalized in such a manner. Is it possible that the gang punks in Carson City have an issue with Deputy Guimont? Perhaps he is a little too tough on them? These are just my assumptions, of course, but it is something that caught my attention.
David Knighton
Carson City
Negative campaign ads weren't sent out by local party
Several negative mailers featuring assembly candidate Pete Livermore were sent out recently to Carson City homes. These ads were sponsored by the Nevada State Democratic Party, which hired an outside firm to produce the pieces. They claim Livermore got a sweetheart deal from the city when it purchased land he owned in order to widen Clearview Drive. The firm responsible for these ads did not contact any local Democrat or Assembly candidate Robin Williamson during the formulation of these ads or they would have learned this kind of shoddy negative campaigning doesn't fly here in Carson City.
Due to current election laws, Robin Williamson cannot complain to the state party regarding these mailings. I, however, can complain, and as chair of the Carson City Democratic Central Committee have done so. Other members have also asserted to the state party their belief that these ads reflect poorly on us and Robin Williamson.
In an election season full of negative ads, we had hoped the race for Assembly District 40 would be contested in a positive way. We note that all the ads coming from the Williamson campaign itself have been positive and issue-oriented.
This situation points out, once again, the need for election law reform. The recent Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case has made this more difficult.
I hope that voters will consider all the good things Robin has done and will do for this community when they go to the polls.
Karen McEntire
Carson City
State would make better use of education money
It is critical that Nevadans vote. Our country is in a spending crisis unmatched in our lifetimes. A recent debate between Sharron Angle and the Senate majority leader contained a wealth of information most of us simply do not regularly consider and should.
As an education advocate, I was most impressed by the $69 billion cost of operating the U.S. Department of Education. Angle's point about spending that kind of money on a federal department should make every parent in America think again about how their education tax dollars - 58 percent - are spent.
It is a perfect example of the top-heavy administrative costs that do nothing to teach Johnny how to read or think for himself. That money would be much better spent and budgeted by state and local governments.
Sharron's comments about the serious decline in the quality of education since the DOE was established is accurate. If Nevada's portion of the $69 billion were left in the state, school districts would not routinely have bond issues on the ballot.
When you go to vote, ask yourself if more government serves your family well. Then go vote, please.
Ann Bednarski
Carson City
Douglas County Republicans endorse Sharron Angle
Douglas County Republican Central Committee has observed that U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle continues to distinguish herself by her adherence to the Republican principles codified in our Douglas County Republican platforms.
And we further recognize that Republican voters in Nevada chose Sharron Angle to be our candidate and we proudly endorse Sharron Angle for election to the position of U.S. Senate from the great state of Nevada.
Maggie Benz, Chair
Douglas County Republican Central Committee
Reid shares responsibility for economic disaster
As the deadline approaches for us to choose between Reid and Angle, I am appalled that some people are not only going to vote for Reid, but are endorsing him. All sorts of reasons are forwarded - Angle is too extreme and she has said this or that.
The bottom line is that all of these issues pale in comparison to the destruction of our financial system. The U.S. teeters on the brink of total financial disaster and cannot afford to continue on the reckless spending spree that it has been on with the Obama/Reid agenda.
If you think you are immune from the chaos that may follow, you are mistaken. Everybody's jobs and savings are in jeopardy.
A vote for Reid is a vote for continuing the failed economic policies of the Obama administration. I don't understand how anyone could willingly saddle their children and grandchildren with the current size of our national debt - and it will continue to grow as long as Obama and Reid remain in power.
Don Gurney
Carson City
Homework on Harry uncovers disturbing facts
I read a letter in Tuesday's paper written by Phil Stotts and I couldn't bite my tongue. I hope you are not voting. You should look into things before you open your mouth.
First, do you know why Harry Reid made so much money on his property when the market is down? He used his government power to pad his own pocket. Why don't you do some homework on that, sir?
He gave hundreds of millions of dollars to two other states to help them absorb costs of ObamaCare just to get their signature on this health care bill, yet he brought his own state nothing. By the way, I just received a letter from my health care company informing me of the changes that will take effect on my policy as of Jan. 1 thanks to Reid. I will be receiving another letter with my rate increase. So I guess the healthy get to pay more so the sick can have coverage. I believe that is socialism.
As far as Social Security goes, I am 39 years old. My government will probably break Social Security before I am eligible. I would rather invest that money on my own to take care of my retirement than to trust my government. I believe that Angle is the lesser of the two evils.
Victor Bruno
Dayton
Assessor candidate's promises impossible to keep
We don't need a new assessor. What is unfortunate is that anyone can run for office, whether they have the qualifications or not. Experience is extremely important. I can't emphasize that enough.
Ian Mindling speaks of an unfriendly office that lacks in customer service, something he has heard, but not witnessed first-hand. As with any office, you can't make everyone happy all the time. However, I would ask Ian to speak to the many veterans, the widows/widowers, the seniors of our community who we assist every year with their exemptions and rebates. Have they been treated poorly?
Ian's website promises lower taxes. How? How will he explain to the Department of Taxation his outrageously low values that are not within the ratio mandated by statute? He vows to avoid the appeal process. The Board of Equalization is there for a reason - so that you don't have assessors playing favorites and lowering values on a handshake. They are there to ensure that everyone is assessed equally and fairly.
Ian states that the Assessor's Office is not using foreclosures. When the bank sells to a new owner, these sales are verified and researched to determine whether or not they are a true arms-length transaction, meaning the property was livable, or it appraised at the selling price, etc. If so, they are considered to be a good sale.
Vote for experience, vote for true integrity, vote for Dave Dawley.
Kimberly Adams, senior appraiser
Carson City Assessor's Office
Citizens committee thanks bond campaign supporters
Our citizens committee wishes to thank the many PTA/PTO members, business owners, civic organizations, service clubs, school employees, and friends who have volunteered their time, expertise, money and resources as part of the 2010 school bond campaign.
Thanks to the generosity of our community-minded friends, we have been able to share the details of the 2010 school bond through a variety of venues including electronic media - www.carsoncityschools2010.com - printed campaign materials, public meetings and neighborhood walks.
Your support of our schools and our community is greatly appreciated.
Mark Rotter, Chairman
Citizen's Advisory Committee
Orwell's dystopian '1984' more pertinent than ever
The world is too fragile for people to be untrue. There is too much at stake and life is too short for lies. And our media, owned by powerful self-interests, are the worst kind in the world. Both parties are now, legally and totally, openly corrupt.
How can we be the richest country in the world, and yet be the top tier of the Third World countries? I feel I'm living in George Orwell's "1984" novel. At the very least, it should be mandatory reading in all junior high schools, not banned, as they're attempting to do in the public educational system.
If the word "Orwellian" can be used on the U.S. Senate floor 20 years ago, and many times I might add, it should be allowed reading material for all. If it's good enough for them, it should be good enough for us. We need to start our children off in the right direction before they become totally brainwashed, as it seems adults have become.
Anneliese Puthe
Carson City
Some thoughts on what's going wrong in America
Why should the taxpayers be paying the president along with Air Force One, etc. millions of our dollars to campaign for his party members during a mid-term? His time would be better spent doing his job. No president, regardless of party, should be allowed to do this while on our payroll.
I support Arizona 100 percent for protecting our borders, as I feel all of our country should. Reid is willing to sell out our country on the issue for fear of losing the Latino votes. Where is his personal interest? Reid is all for Reid.
Health care. Yup, we need it by some means but we don't need a bill that gets passed that's full of non-pertinent crap and that the lawmakers don't even understand. The pass it now, cram it down our throat, and sort it out later to fix it idea the liberals have stinks. Too many fingers in the pie on that one. I wonder how much we spent on it already.
Stimulus? The biggest computer in the world couldn't keep track of where all that money went in a short time. Any idea how much went to the wrong places and was pilfered? How many needless projects were done just to spend it? I know of some first hand.
We don't need special interest groups running our country as they are. They need to be put back into perspective and some done away with. Freedom of speech should be used as it was intended.
Bill Ramsden
Minden
Neighbors, show respect for citizens' opinions
To Steve Neighbors: I'm surprised and amused that you would discount the opinions of those who have led and worked for this city for many years. Didn't you just voice your opinion on whom we should vote for? We gave you time for your opinion, the least you could do is respect our opinions.
They are not the only citizens questioning this project that will cause gridlock for years to come - just look at the Roop Street project.
You also assume that they are against the project for reasons other than the facts. Could you please enlighten us on that? Tell you what, formalize the design, show us the economics of the plan and we will be happy to take it to a vote down here.
Stan Heinrichs
Carson City
Democrats must learn to live within means
To the members of the party of tax and spend, I noticed in the Oct. 26 Appeal that the letters from you resorted to finger-pointing and the need for a scapegoat.
The current troubles and problems that our country have are the direct responsibility of the current administration - Congress and the president. For the last two years of the previous administration, the Democrats were in control of Congress. Congress, not the president, passes the laws, authorizes taxes and spending. The president is not in charge all by himself. If things remain as they are - Democrats in control - you can watch your taxes, or whatever they may be labeled, increase and increase and increase. How else will the deficit and tremendous debt of this great country - right now, it is still great - be reduced? On the backs of we, the people.
Congress and the administration need to reign in the out-of-control spending and work toward trimming the fat in government - this would be good at the state and local levels also. I know it's a hard pill to swallow, but we as citizens must live within our means, or find ways to cut our spending. Government should do the same.
Brad McCleary
Carson City
Negative ads weren't sent out by local party
Several negative mailers featuring assembly candidate Pete Livermore were sent out recently to Carson City homes. These ads were sponsored by the Nevada State Democratic Party, which hired an outside firm to produce the pieces. They claim Livermore got a sweetheart deal from the city when it purchased land he owned in order to widen Clearview Drive. The firm responsible for these ads did not contact any local Democrat or Assembly candidate Robin Williamson during the formulation of these ads or they would have learned this kind of shoddy negative campaigning doesn't fly here in Carson City.
Due to current election laws, Robin Williamson cannot complain to the state party regarding these mailings. I, however, can complain, and as chair of the Carson City Democratic Central Committee have done so. Other members have also asserted to the state party their belief that these ads reflect poorly on us and Robin Williamson.
In an election season full of negative ads, we had hoped the race for Assembly District 40 would be contested in a positive way. We note that all the ads coming from the Williamson campaign itself have been positive and issue-oriented.
This situation points out, once again, the need for election law reform. The recent Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case has made this more difficult.
I hope that voters will consider all the good things Robin has done and will do for this community when they go to the polls.
Karen McEntire
Carson City
Furlong is the one to move department forward
I am a 20-year Carson City resident. I am watching our race for sheriff. Mr. Furlong's has been the third administration I have witnessed. He has proven a competent administrator and a good leader. I can say without a doubt, the people he has on the streets are better trained and far more professional officers.
Cowboy is a word that comes to mind when I think of the previous staffs. Mr. Guimont came up in that era. His tough talk and continuing enforcement style convince me he would like to return to the old ways.
We now have interagency cooperation where we had none. We are solving crimes more often because of it. We have better tools to enable us to address our own safety. Doubtless, there are issues we need to address, but I don't know how taking a step backwards is going to help.
Mr. Guimont is a throwback. It is better that we continue walking forward with the man we have.
Kelly Jones
Carson City
Angle's lock box for Social Security unworkable
We continue to hear of Sharron Angle's Social Security lock box plan. She says we need to put the money back into a lock box. What exactly does she mean? A questioning post to her website brought no response.
Here's what her plan appears to mean. The billions - trillions? - in the Social Security Trust Fund should be stored somewhere in cash rather than the current, as we are told, IOUs in a filing cabinet.
Does Sharron have any idea how much cash is involved? One supposes not. The largest currency presently produced is the $100 bill. It would take a large warehouse full of $100 bills stacked on pallets to hold the Social Security Trust Fund in cash.
What exactly would this accomplish? Perhaps (it would) make a few ignorant people more comfortable? The current trust fund is in IOUs backed by the U.S. government, which means as long as the U.S. government remains solvent, the money is there. What is a $100 bill? It's an IOU for $100. As long as the U.S. government remains solvent, it's worth $100. What exactly is the difference between a filing cabinet with government backed IOUs and a warehouse full of government-backed IOUs? Outside of the warehouse rent, not much.
Sharron's plan does not appear to make a lot of sense.
James Sadilek
Carson City
Harry Reid arrogant, unprofessional during televised debate
I am writing in response to Ann Burke's letter, "Debate performance turned off this voter." My first concern is with this newspaper, for publishing a letter by someone who states, "Her Botox cheeks and phony smile didn't earn my vote." This newspaper should hold itself to a higher caliber, and not give space to writers who make catty remarks like that. What a lame excuse for not voting for someone: you don't like their looks. But, that is only the beginning of my concerns.
Ann writes, "Reid's professional manner never allowed him to reciprocate a blow back to her." I can't help but wonder if Ann and I were watching the same debate. About 90 percent of the time Angle was debating, Reid cleared his throat. I don't find that professional. Reid also talked over his timeframe on several occasions, and conveyed arrogance with the moderator. I don't find that professional either.
"She will not create jobs." Ann seemed to think that this should be our senator's job. Last time I checked, Nevada's unemployment is at over 14 percent - Reid sure is doing a stellar job at creating jobs. I can see how you would back someone who has done so much for his own state.
Khristine Hansen-Jones
Carson City
Where is Harry's clout in luring solar projects?
The other day, I read your question to Carson City residents about why and who they would vote for in the Senate race. Two poorly informed residents responded for Harry because, while he is not perfect, he has power.
Ironically, in the Wall Street Journal it was reported that President Obama is directing the release of $7 billion for the world's largest solar farm to be built in Southern California by a German firm.
Harry has been touting his renewable energy job creation. In fact, the Department of Energy has funded $47 million in projects in Nevada - and all research projects. One project went to the University of Kansas.
We can only imagine if the so-called power of Harry had the clout our citizens believe he has, had caused the $7 billion project to be in Nevada. That would have demonstrated his power. Alas, it demonstrated his lack of power.
For all of his power, had Harry only cared for us to research it, he would have found that for years, the Desert Research Institute actually found a 100-square-mile area of Nevada where solar power is so strong that it could generate enough solar energy to power the 48 continental states. That is where the farm should have been located. Ironically, the area is around Yucca Mountain, another job creator Harry fought.
Harry does not have power - information is power. Harry has longevity, not power.
Barry Penzel
Minden
Angle represents freedom from big government
To be brief - we have had so much rhetoric, mud-slinging and lies.
Our choice as Nevadans and Americans is clear: Big government running our lives and bankrupting our nation for years to come, if not forever, or a return to small government principles - Sharron Angle or Harry Reid?
Harry is the third member of the triangle consisting of Obama and Pelosi, dictating health care reform and taxes.
Sharron proved while serving as an assemblywoman that she will stand behind what she says. Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, said of Sharron, "I guess you have to admire that she always stuck to her beliefs."
Nevadans decide. Do you want to live under the thumb of a nanny state? If so, please move to California. Or do you want to enjoy the freedoms our forefathers gave? Many lost all giving this.
Connie Chauvel-Gomez
Dayton
Republicans for Reid in pocket of casinos
Don't vote like you did in high school. Remember? You voted for the most popular kid to be student body president, not the new, geeky kid who could do a better job.
Do your homework. If you are concerned that former Republicans - in name only - are endorsing Sen. Reid, ask yourself if it is because these same men are working or lobbying for casinos. Force casinos to become more creative with their money instead of paying lobbyists.
For instance, casinos created junkets when needed, and flew in tourists to gamble. Force the Nevada Legislature to diversify with new policies.
Additionally, quit letting Nevada be first in unemployment, first in bankruptcies, first in home foreclosures and one of the last states in education success.
I still remember what I learned in high school government class: checks and balances work in U.S. government and absolute power corrupts.
Debbie Cutshaw
Gardnerville
Political ads model corrosive, bullying mentality
As election day nears, I sigh, and am relieved that there are only a few more days of political commercials on television. How many others have made the connection between these commercials and the bullying crisis in our children's lives?
These commercials are adversarial and model the kind of communication that parents and school administrators are working so hard to curtail. The media and many television programs contribute to the modeling of bully behavior. These are among the root causes of bullying.
By the next election cycle, I hope limits are placed on political commercials so that the content and delivery are appropriate for children and adults.
Cathie Thompson
Dayton
Vote for change in High Court selection process
It's crazy to elect Supreme Court judges. It puts them in a position of having to raise funds. Voting yes on Question 1 will allow a panel of judges to identify good candidates and let the governor pick one. Then the public can have its chance at a no-confidence vote - one based on a report card issued by the commission.
For a fair and independent Supreme Court, vote yes on No. 1.
Sandra Koch
Carson City
One wonders why taggers singled out Guimont sign
I made an interesting observation this past Saturday while driving around Carson City. I saw that one of the political signs promoting Bob Guimont for sheriff had some graffiti on it. This sign was along Highway 50 East and east of Mills Park.
Now I am not a gang expert or an expert in graffiti but it seemed odd to me that I didn't see any of the signs promoting Sheriff Furlong vandalized in such a manner. Is it possible that the gang punks in Carson City have an issue with Deputy Guimont? Perhaps he is a little too tough on them? These are just my assumptions, of course, but it is something that caught my attention.
David Knighton
Carson City
State would make better use of education money
It is critical that Nevadans vote. Our country is in a spending crisis unmatched in our lifetimes. A recent debate between Sharron Angle and the Senate majority leader contained a wealth of information most of us simply do not regularly consider and should.
As an education advocate, I was most impressed by the $69 billion cost of operating the U.S. Department of Education. Angle's point about spending that kind of money on a federal department should make every parent in America think again about how their education tax dollars - 58 percent - are spent.
It is a perfect example of the top-heavy administrative costs that do nothing to teach Johnny how to read or think for himself. That money would be much better spent and budgeted by state and local governments.
Sharron's comments about the serious decline in the quality of education since the DOE was established is accurate. If Nevada's portion of the $69 billion were left in the state, school districts would not routinely have bond issues on the ballot.
When you go to vote, ask yourself if more government serves your family well. Then go vote, please.
Ann Bednarski
Carson City
Douglas County Republicans endorse Sharron Angle
Douglas County Republican Central Committee has observed that U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle continues to distinguish herself by her adherence to the Republican principles codified in our Douglas County Republican platforms.
And we further recognize that Republican voters in Nevada chose Sharron Angle to be our candidate and we proudly endorse Sharron Angle for election to the position of U.S. Senate from the great state of Nevada.
Maggie Benz, Chair
Douglas County Republican Central Committee
Homework on Harry uncovers disturbing facts
I read a letter in Tuesday's paper written by Phil Stotts and I couldn't bite my tongue. I hope you are not voting. You should look into things before you open your mouth.
First, do you know why Harry Reid made so much money on his property when the market is down? He used his government power to pad his own pocket. Why don't you do some homework on that, sir?
He gave hundreds of millions of dollars to two other states to help them absorb costs of ObamaCare just to get their signature on this health care bill, yet he brought his own state nothing. By the way, I just received a letter from my health care company informing me of the changes that will take effect on my policy as of Jan. 1 thanks to Reid. I will be receiving another letter with my rate increase. So I guess the healthy get to pay more so the sick can have coverage. I believe that is socialism.
As far as Social Security goes, I am 39 years old. My government will probably break Social Security before I am eligible. I would rather invest that money on my own to take care of my retirement than to trust my government. I believe that Angle is the lesser of the two evils.
Victor Bruno
Dayton
Citizens committee thanks bond campaign supporters
Our citizens committee wishes to thank the many PTA/PTO members, business owners, civic organizations, service clubs, school employees, and friends who have volunteered their time, expertise, money and resources as part of the 2010 school bond campaign.
Thanks to the generosity of our community-minded friends, we have been able to share the details of the 2010 school bond through a variety of venues including electronic media - www.carsoncityschools
2010.com - printed campaign materials, public meetings and neighborhood walks.
Your support of our schools and our community is greatly appreciated.
Mark Rotter, Chairman
Citizen's Advisory Committee
Reid shares responsibility for economic disaster
As the deadline approaches for us to choose between Reid and Angle, I am appalled that some people are not only going to vote for Reid, but are endorsing him. All sorts of reasons are forwarded - Angle is too extreme and she has said this or that.
The bottom line is that all of these issues pale in comparison to the destruction of our financial system. The U.S. teeters on the brink of total financial disaster and cannot afford to continue on the reckless spending spree that it has been on with the Obama/Reid agenda.
If you think you are immune from the chaos that may follow, you are mistaken. Everybody's jobs and savings are in jeopardy.
A vote for Reid is a vote for continuing the failed economic policies of the Obama administration. I don't understand how anyone could willingly saddle their children and grandchildren with the current size of our national debt - and it will continue to grow as long as Obama and Reid remain in power.
Don Gurney
Carson City
Supreme Court subverts law with salary loophole
I can't believe everyone is silent on this. Where is the outrage? Our Nevada Supreme Court justices run for office and are elected at a salary that is in effect at the time they are elected for the term they serve. It is in the Nevada Constitution that elected official's salaries can't be raised or lowered during their term.
But our illustrious government officials found a way around that. They created boards or commissions so that they can receive additional salary. That way they don't make less than another justice. Do they think that the law, or at least the intent of the law, doesn't apply to them? Why? They are elected officials that accepted a position and a salary for six years. Instead of accepting that, they found a way to cheat the system.
Now I understand why so many people don't trust the government. Once elected, they think they can do anything they want. The rest of the officials are all complacent by remaining silent and doing nothing.
This will be the year to vote against all incumbents, to send a message. I know I will. I just don't think anybody else cares enough anymore. Go ahead, close your eyes, put on your Birkenstocks, get in your foreign car and listen to '60s music. It'll all be OK in the morning.
Walter Owens
Carson City
Some thoughts on what's going wrong in America
Why should the taxpayers be paying the president along with Air Force One, etc. millions of our dollars to campaign for his party members during a mid-term? His time would be better spent doing his job. No president, regardless of party, should be allowed to do this while on our payroll.
I support Arizona 100 percent for protecting our borders, as I feel all of our country should. Reid is willing to sell out our country on the issue for fear of losing the Latino votes. Where is his personal interest? Reid is all for Reid.
Health care. Yup, we need it by some means but we don't need a bill that gets passed that's full of non-pertinent crap and that the lawmakers don't even understand. The pass it now, cram it down our throat, and sort it out later to fix it idea the liberals have stinks. Too many fingers in the pie on that one. I wonder how much we spent on it already.
Stimulus? The biggest computer in the world couldn't keep track of where all that money went in a short time. Any idea how much went to the wrong places and was pilfered? How many needless projects were done just to spend it? I know of some first hand.
We don't need special interest groups running our country as they are. They need to be put back into perspective and some done away with. Freedom of speech should be used as it was intended.
Bill Ramsden
Minden
Neighbors, show respect for citizens' opinions
To Steve Neighbors: I'm surprised and amused that you would discount the opinions of those who have led and worked for this city for many years. Didn't you just voice your opinion on whom we should vote for? We gave you time for your opinion, the least you could do is respect our opinions.
They are not the only citizens questioning this project that will cause gridlock for years to come - just look at the Roop Street project.
You also assume that they are against the project for reasons other than the facts. Could you please enlighten us on that? Tell you what, formalize the design, show us the economics of the plan and we will be happy to take it to a vote down here.
Stan Heinrichs
Carson City
Democrats must learn to live within means
To the members of the party of tax and spend, I noticed in the Oct. 26 Appeal that the letters from you resorted to finger-pointing and the need for a scapegoat.
The current troubles and problems that our country have are the direct responsibility of the current administration - Congress and the president. For the last two years of the previous administration, the Democrats were in control of Congress. Congress, not the president, passes the laws, authorizes taxes and spending. The president is not in charge all by himself. If things remain as they are - Democrats in control - you can watch your taxes, or whatever they may be labeled, increase and increase and increase. How else will the deficit and tremendous debt of this great country - right now, it is still great - be reduced? On the backs of we, the people.
Congress and the administration need to reign in the out-of-control spending and work toward trimming the fat in government - this would be good at the state and local levels also. I know it's a hard pill to swallow, but we as citizens must live within our means, or find ways to cut our spending. Government should do the same.
Brad McCleary
Carson City
Orwell's dystopian '1984' more pertinent than ever
The world is too fragile for people to be untrue. There is too much at stake and life is too short for lies. And our media, owned by powerful self-interests, are the worst kind in the world. Both parties are now, legally and totally, openly corrupt.
How can we be the richest country in the world, and yet be the top tier of the Third World countries? I feel I'm living in George Orwell's "1984" novel. At the very least, it should be mandatory reading in all junior high schools, not banned, as they're attempting to do in the public educational system.
If the word "Orwellian" can be used on the U.S. Senate floor 20 years ago, and many times I might add, it should be allowed reading material for all. If it's good enough for them, it should be good enough for us. We need to start our children off in the right direction before they become totally brainwashed, as it seems adults have become.
Anneliese Puthe
Carson City