Two questions tax-hikers won’t answer
To the editor:
Upon reading some articles and reader comments about Gov. Jim Gibbons' proposal to cut state employees' pay by 6 percent, I have a couple of questions.
To the teachers who are threatening to leave Nevada over a proposed 6 percent pay cut, where are you going to go if it happens? From what I read, just about every state is experiencing an economic downturn. It seems to me that the first state budget actions during a severe budget crisis, should be, in order, freeze all hiring, eliminate annual pay raises, and then, if needed, reduce pay and benefits.
The second question I have is for the folks at the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, and their recommendation to raise taxes on businesses and higher income earners ("Group backs raising taxes," Tuesday Review-Journal). If you raise these taxes, why would a business (or individual) want to remain in a hostile environment such as Clark County if the tax advantage is removed?
PLAN might want to research the reason the majority of Southern Nevada residents decided to live here in the first place. Hint: It's not due to the mild summers.
Warren Willis Sr.
LAS VEGAS
Apples and oranges
To the editor:
In response to the Tuesday letter to the editor, "It could be worse," by Jerry Fink.
Here is an example of comparing apples and oranges. Mr. Fink says teachers shouldn't complain about a proposed 6 percent salary cut because his wife is taking a 20 percent pay cut by having to work a four-day shift.
What he doesn't mention is that while his wife is taking a larger pay cut, she is also working fewer hours, commensurate to the pay decrease. She is not asked to take less pay for the same amount of work.
If teachers have a 6 percent salary cut imposed upon them, they will not be working 6 percent fewer hours. They won't have fewer students in their classrooms and they will not be doing less work. In fact, as reported by the Review-Journal, tourism was down in Las Vegas by more than 10 percent in October while enrollment in the Clark County School District grew again this school year.
The school district's growth was less than in years past, but classrooms are still full, and the hours students and teachers are in school have not changed. Businesses historically cut employee hours or make layoffs when business is down.
Should enrollment decline, the school district undoubtedly will freeze hiring or even have a reduction in force. But you really can't compare the two situations.
Brenda Becker
LAS VEGAS
Living in la-la land
To the editor:
I personally find it extremely honorable that our governor is willing to lead the way and take a 6 percent pay cut. This unselfish act will definitely spur other public employees to follow suit. His leadership is unmatched.
But consider that our astute governor pays no rent and no mortgage. He has no utility costs. He pays nothing for transportation. He doesn't even have to pay for food.
What else am I missing? Such a deal, and all at the expense of the taxpayers. I am sure that many of our public employees would be more than willing to take a 6 percent pay cut to get a deal like our honorable governor. Perhaps most might even give up 10 percent or more of their pay.
It must be wonderful being governor of the great state of Nevada and living in la-la land.
George Feher
HENDERSON
Too much love
To the editor:
Here's the thing about the proposed bike trail through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: The place is being loved to death.
Gone are the days when we shared this wonderful place mostly with wild horses, burros and assorted other four-legged creatures. I hate to see the naturalness of it changed one iota, hate to see a 30-mile concrete trail being carved into the desert, but let's face it, people are coming to love Red Rock more and more every day, and we must accommodate them or see growing problems from them running willy nilly all over the place ("Trail reviews positive," Jan. 9 Review-Journal).
The trail proposed by Bureau of Land Management has had a lot of input from those of us who love Red Rock, and BLM has listened. If we have to have it, the plan is a good one. There are still some kinks to be worked out, so hopefully these will not be issues as the path is being constructed. It will give the people of our area a safe alternative to enjoying one of the best treasures we have.
I'm just relieved BLM decided to put it close to state Route 159 and not down the middle of the valley, as was first suggested. That would have been a scar, indeed.
Mary Sue Kunz
LAS VEGAS
