|
Sunday, May 10, 1998
Mailbag sampler
Excerpts from the week's submissions on a variety of issues
Growth at any cost?
To the editor:
Hopes for an enlightened growth plan dimmed last week as more recommendations from the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority were revealed in the Review-Journal ("Growth panel backs tax plan for new schools," May 5).
Two weeks ago, it was reported that our parks standard would be less than half of the national average. This story says that school standards cannot be achieved unless a freeze on existing property taxes is implemented. A draft report on planning also endorses the quarter-cent sales tax increase for water system improvements.
If these planners removed the blinders that focus their view on growth at any cost, perhaps they could see that dozens of studies are revealing that sprawl and neighborhood decline are mainly due to governments subsidizing new growth by taxing the existing population.
Until the planners for Las Vegas commit to the fiscal imperative that growth must pay for growth, sprawl will continue and the quality of life in our valley will further decline. When the economics of development are not distorted by government subsidies, the free market forces will manage growth. All that is needed to accomplish this is to determine the total city/county costs of developments in a particular area, and send them the bill.
THOMAS C. SUSHINSKI
Las Vegas
Defies explanation
To the editor:
In her May 6 commentary, "Forget victim mythology and get some smarts," Kathleen Parker writes that "a woman who believes her husband is fooling around isn't worried about advancing his career." Would Ms. Parker care to explain Hillary Clinton to the world?
JONATHAN VanBOSKERCK
Las Vegas
Ignored by senator
To the editor:
As election time nears, it's amazing that Sen. Harry Reid has become the epitome of ubiquity. You'll find him in Siberia, at a brand new highway in California or at a log cabin in Searchlight.
It is understandable that he's too busy to respond to a constituent's request for information at present. However, I've tried for almost two years to get information on his trip to a remote spot in Outer Mongolia that expanded into an around-the-world junket. In addition, the senator was accompanied by his wife, five other senators and their wives, plus staff members and gofers.
After 18 letters and seven phone calls, my questions regarding this taxpayer-funded junket have never been answered. In his last response to me, the senator advised me that I was wasting his time, which could be better used to serve other constituents' legitimate requests.
NEWCHY MIGNONE
Las Vegas
One-sided survey
To the editor:
In regard to the May 3 article which rates Family Court judges, the voters must beware. The evaluation was done by the county Bar Association and speaks to lawyers, not to litigants. These surveys are absolutely and positively one-sided.
If you want to hear how the food is at a restaurant, would you ask one of the employees who depends on your patronage and tips? A wise person would ask the customers leaving the restaurant. The same applies to the judges.
We, the litigants, have much to say about these judges. Steve Jones, highly rated by the lawyers, does not receive the highest ranking for retention from the litigants. Currently, Jones is running unopposed. Someone certainly needs to throw his hat in the ring for that department. Any contenders?
AL DiCICCO
Director, The Coalition For
Family Court Reform
Las Vegas
Premeditated prevarication
To the editor:
Susan McDougal and Webster Hubbell, like Bill Clinton, have been lying to the American people from day one. What Kenneth Starr must find out in his investigation is how much money has been and will be payed to McDougal and Hubbell to keep their mouths closed. Or is it fear that keeps them from talking?
THOMAS BRINKMAN
Las Vegas
More complicated than that
To the editor:
My gosh, just because some fast-food clerk cannot make change, Derril Wenzel (letter, May 1) and Walter L. Money (letter, May 5) blame President Clinton and the "liberals" for dumbing down America. I can agree there seems to be a dumbing down (read Steve Allens' book "Dumbth"), but to blame it on the "radical liberals" is ridiculous. Maybe it's the loss of union membership, or the increase in religiosity, or El Niño. The problem is too complex to give it a political bias.
Recently there was a letter to the editor from a reader who was impressed with the schoolwork his child was getting. He commented that it was much more advanced than he remembered getting at the same grade level. When I realize we are living in the greatest country in history, should I give the liberals credit? I am liberal enough to realize that it would not be fair.
BERNARD MESCO
Las Vegas
Give us your FEEDBACK on this or any story.
Fill out our Online Readers' Poll
|
|
