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Sunday, May 24, 1998
Columnist speaks only for herself
To the editor:
In her May 15 column about the attempted recall of County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates ("Adelson can't buy seat"), Barbara Robinson made comments about me, as well as Dr. Terry Akers, who sought to run in the recall. I would like to respond.
First of all, in regard to my status as a felon, I have never made any attempt to hide the fact that I committed a crime and served the time. Secondly, I am not Dr. Akers' campaign manager. A simple phone call to campaign headquarters could have answered that question. Perhaps it just points out Ms. Robinson's continuing disinterest in the facts and reality of this campaign.
Thirdly, Dr. Akers knew about my past when he approached me to assist him in his effort. He understood that I had made a mistake and paid the price for it. Mayor Jan Jones understood the same thing when I put on a fund-raiser and served as a top volunteer for her in 1996. Gov. Bob Miller had no problem with my status when I assisted on his campaign for re-election that same year. On the Republican side in 1996, Rep. John Ensign seemed to have no problem with my status when he approached me to assist in his efforts to develop grass-roots support for his re-election campaign.
Furthermore, my past has not hindered me in leading the citizens of West Las Vegas, and indeed the entire black community, in rejecting Ms. Robinson's last two bids to head the local NAACP. I am proud to say the Rev. James Rogers asked me to be his campaign manager for both of his successful elections to the presidency of that organization. Perhaps this is the reason Ms. Robinson referred to me as the cause of "upheaval" in the local chapter of the NAACP.
Also, Ms. Robinson refers to Dr. Akers' candidacy as "ill-conceived." Why? Is it because he is a black man who has the audacity to be a Republican? Or, is it "ill-conceived" because he is a Republican challenging a Democrat? What is it about Dr. Akers' right to participate in the democratic process and desire to serve his community that is "ill-conceived"?
In closing, it is quite clear that Ms. Robinson, who doesn't live in West Las Vegas, does not speak for the black community. Having been thrice rejected by the residents of West Las Vegas and by the members of the NAACP as their leader and spokeswoman, one has to wonder: For whom does she speak?
STAN WASHINGTON
Las Vegas
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