Cemetery official reacts to criticism

CARSON CITY -- The chairman of a board overseeing the Fernley veterans cemetery said Thursday that state Sen. Bill Raggio, R-Reno, should apologize for complaining that the cemetery is neglected and not properly maintained.

"It's just an insult," said Stan Jones. "We have an excellent superintendent and staff there. It's a beautiful facility. I don't know where he's coming from. He ought to publicly apologize to the veterans."

Jones said various veterans' organizations work hard to help improve the 40-acre Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Jones also said that in the six years he has chaired the cemetery board Raggio hasn't attended any formal function at the cemetery.

Raggio commented Wednesday during an Interim Finance Subcommittee meeting. A constituent was upset at the cemetery's condition.