Letters to the Editor, July 31

Poor leadership to blame for north Las Vegas' woes

The North Las Vegas story is one that needs to be told. This city is no "North Town" shanty town any longer, with large land annexations to its boundaries in recent years. It is now the third-largest city in the state. At one time it was the fastest-growing city in America. It has great potential and deserves much better than the image it now has as a poorly run political battlefield that is broke and ready for state financial over sight.

The crux of the current mess emerged from the offices of former Mayor Mike Montandon, whose over-inflated strategy and deal cutting with investor-laden developers turned new and hopeful developments into blighted neighborhoods.

Also to blame is the current mayor, Shari Buck, who rode to her current position on the support of the firefighters' and police unions she now opposes but whose wage and benefit contracts she strongly supported in the beginning when she needed their political support. Buck cannot be trusted, has created turmoil on the City Council and must leave if the c ity is to recover and prosper under more able leadership than Buck is capable of providing. While Buck talks a good game, she cannot be trusted to govern with integrity and leadership skill.

Bob Jack, North Las Vegas

Naming Las Vegas series gives readers a stronger sense of belonging

Kudos to View staff reporter Maggie Lillis for her July 10 piece on the Civilian Conservation Corps ("Civilian Conservation Corps helped shape recreation in Spring Mountains," Centennial View). And kudos to the View for continuing its series on historically named landmarks in Nevada starting back in 2010. Lillis' focus on the CCC and the contributions of the men in the Depression era to Mount Charleston and various military-like camps across Nevada is well-deserved of recognition and retelling.

It's the focus on the history of Southern Nevada that is so compelling once it's brought to light and retold to a new generation. The historical context of our streets, schools and landmarks gives your readers grounding, a stronger sense of belonging and understanding of local history so often overshadowed by untalented celebrities and (un)reality shows that provide far too much false drama.

And as a resident of Sunrise Manor, I was pleased by the first installment by writer F. Andrew Taylor titled "Origins of Frenchman's" (Sunrise/Whitney View, June 1, 2010), clearing up, to some, the most misidentified landmark in the valley; it's Frenchman Mountain , not Sunrise Mountain, which is adjacent but somewhat lesser known - except to readers of View's Naming Las Vegas series. Please keep your monthly focus on Southern Nevada's history alive and well for your readers and the community - it is a worthwhile endeavor.

Martin Dean Dupalo, Las Vegas