I read with some amusement the attacks on me in the last day or two before the primary. I guess the theory was that if you have nothing bad to say about the candidates, attack the consultant. The problem with the attacks made on me is that they are factually wrong. Of course, the statements regarding growth have been factually wrong as well. The U.S. Geological Survey water study showed we are not about to run out of water. Growth does pay for itself as shown in the only scientific study conducted - a study endorsed by UNR. The transportation analysis done by NDOT showed Douglas County roads are adequate for the traffic loads. Our air is clean and we are not forced to smog test our vehicles as occurs in other Nevada counties.
Let's set the record straight. Mr. Van Dien labels me "Lynn - more taxes - Hettrick" and says I am a developer. The facts are:
No. 1. I was the leader of the so-called "Mean 15." We opposed the huge tax increase of the 2003 legislative session. We pointed out several reasons for opposing the tax increase, it was too much, it would not solve the problems, no tax and spend increase is ever enough, raising taxes and spending all of the money was a recipe for disaster if the economy faltered. Every comment we made came true. The tax increase passed over my no vote.
No. 2. I negotiated and helped to pass the final version of the statewide property tax cap that is now in place. My support and yes vote reduces your taxes now and into the future.
No. 3. The only tax increase I worked for was the PALS Initiative that required a vote of the people for passage. That tax supports our parks, airport, libraries and seniors.
Attempting to characterize me as some how supporting "more taxes" is a long stretch from the truth.
No. 4. I am not a developer. The only land I own in Douglas County is my residence. I am now retired, but my business was the management of privately held property. That business does not own land in Douglas County and is not affiliated with any developer.
The ultra slow growth group implies that developer is a bad word. The reality is that developers simply responded to the demand for housing when all of us chose to live here. A large percentage of Douglas residents are living in a neighborhood created by a developer to satisfy the need for housing " a need created by the very people who are complaining about growth today.
In another letter I was attacked because the Coalition for Smart Growth paid for my services. Over seven election cycles and in my position as the leader of the Republicans in the Nevada Assembly, I participated in scores of elections. My experience in the political process has value. The coaltion reported the payments to me - as required by state law - from the very beginning of my involvement. Remember the old saying, "A person who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client." In the political process, it is foolish not to hire an experienced consultant.
Since the 2002 slow growth initiative, all we have heard is, "The will of the people - the will of the people." That mantra is dead in regard to ultra slow growth. Two thirds of the candidates endorsed by the ultra slow growth group were defeated. If anything, the "will of the people" has shifted to economic stability.
It has always been my opinion that the 2002 vote was simply the only available vehicle for the public to say we were growing too fast. There was no vote to deny private property rights, no vote to force the sale of water rights or to destroy open space by creating a hodge-podge of 19 acre mini-ranches across the valley. No, the message then was that we were growing too fast and that county government needed to ensure the quality of life we all enjoy. The proposed Park Cattle Company project is a great example. The county can protect thousands of acres of Valley floor for open space and natural flood control. The trade off is a planned development on a few hundred acres that will save taxpayers money and take 20-30 years to complete.
I think the outcome of this primary election is clear - after many years and hour upon hour of debate, the public has voted for moderation. They voted for the candidates that support: controlled, reasonable growth, a stable economy, a stable tax base to minimize the need for more taxes and the creation of jobs. They voted for keeping our community strong and vibrant. I am looking to a revitalized Board of Commissioners to do just that.
n Lynn Hettrick is Douglas County's former representative in the Nevada Assembly and a Gardnerville resident.
