District transportation doesn’t need fixing

This is in reference to the seemingly irreversible, impending breakup of the Clark County School District in 2017. Or should I say re-organization?

I don’t know whether the breakup will be good or bad, but it appears to be a massive expense and effort despite weak evidence that it will produce positive results. Since they are rushing to get this done, I thought that I would add some information in defense of the existing district transportation department.

All new drivers are required to take a two-week course even though they may already possess a commercial license and have commercial driving experience. Topics include bullying, threats, fights, and drugs and weapons on or near the bus. Other topics include accidents and emergencies. Emphasis is on a good relationship with the students. Training continues with in-service and computer sessions.

It is unlikely that the present system could be improved upon. Department personnel are professional and dedicated at getting 50,000 students to and from school every day. This requires planning hundreds of travel routes, bus stops, arrival times, etc. Transportation is also provided for special-needs students, field trips and sporting events.

The buses have two-way radios and safety equipment. The large fleet enables savings by allowing the district to purchase huge quantities of fuel, parts and supplies. Six bus yards enable drivers and buses to be switched between yards to handle unexpected shortages or large field-trip excursions.

In conclusion, driving a school bus has been a challenging, enlightening and rewarding experience. In regard to the school district’s transportation department, if it is not broken, don’t fix it.

Jon Olsen

Las Vegas

Costly services

In response to your Wednesday editorial, “Houses on the hilltop”:

A major problem with 5,000 houses on a hilltop is traffic. There was no mention of it in the editorial. High-priced homes will also bring thousands of cars and golf carts and increased need for roads, parks, service stations, new fire and police stations, etc. Residents will want to visit casinos and see shows on the Strip.

The developer should be responsible for all of these peripheral construction needs.

Mary Blaylock

Henderson

Spiraling downward

Praise to our Sen. Harry Reid for voicing his concerns about Nevada legalizing marijuana for recreational use (Wednesday Review-Journal). Sen. Reid said, “If I had to vote on it now, I wouldn’t vote for it.” Further, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo are against legalizing recreational pot.

I agree with them.

I will not vote for any politician who supports or votes for legalizing recreational pot use. If Question 2 on the November ballot passes, the ensuing costs of increased health and crime problems will outweigh the initial gains.

If this pot measure passes, it will cause a great moral decline in our state. America is spiraling downward into a morass of criminality. This should not be. Think of our teenagers and the children.

Clyde Dinkins

Las Vegas