Editor:
As a resident of Pleasantview for almost eight years I have occasion to either drive or bicycle past David Nelson's supposed residence daily. From my observations the home at 980 Winter Green has not been occupied on anything resembling a full-time basis, as all of the normal signs of occupancy are absent. I would agree with the consensus of the jury of the neighbors that Mr. Nelson has only recently demonstrated occupancy, despite his protestations to the contrary.
This issue aside, what are we to make of a candidate who admits that he rented this home solely to run for office? Is this any indication of any familiarity with, not to mention concern for, the history and issues of our district? Or is this the callous tactic of a single-issue candidate whose only interest in being elected is to promote a narrow agenda, in this case the agenda of the Sustainable Growth Committee?
And, by the way Mr. Nelson, how long do you intend to remain a resident of District 1 after you lose the primary election?
Sheri Cox
Pleasantview
Editor:
As a Pleasantview resident, I wish to thank my neighbors, Tim Murphy, Roger Arthur, Paul Fry, and Millie Thompson for their editorial letter published June 27 in The Record-Courier. Their letter focused on whether or not Mr. David Nelson was a qualified candidate for District One Commissioner.
The issues they raised were not answered in Editor Kurt Hildebrand's, same date, front page article titled "Candidate Answers Residence Questions." Specifically, Mr. Nelson did not answer whether or not he was "actively" living at the 980 Wintergreen address by April 5, 2008, as required in the certification process.
The neighbors are very much aware that meetings have occurred there and that the Nelson's have spent evenings at the home. However, that alone, does not meet the required "actively living" criteria. A utility bill is no proof whatsoever that "active" living has occurred, especially if it does not encompass the April 5 date. Neighbor Wayne Davis' statement that "he lived there since last November" is counteracted by several immediate neighbors who say that is not true (Mr. Davis is a supporter of Mr. Nelson and his agenda).
The bottom line is that Mr. Nelson "freely admits that he rented the property on Wintergreen specifically to run in the District One race." This is exactly what the neighbors are reacting to! He has no familiarity with the needs, values and issues unique to our District. To the contrary, he is financially supported and endorsed by "slow growthers" in hopes that he will advance and carry out their agenda. This is evidenced by the June 12, 2008, letter distributed to Carson Valley residents by the Sustainable Growth Committee.
In addition, The Record-Courier published this endorsement on page 2 of the June 25 edition.
Our neighbors want and deserve a commissioner who has roots in the community and who will represent our views, not those of outside special-interest groups. Mr. Hildebrand quotes Mr. Nelson as saying that these concerns are "malicious." Our response is that Mr. Nelson's true purpose in seeking the position of District One Commissioner is outrageous.
Roger Brekas
Gardnerville
Editor:
Regarding the proposed changes to the Douglas County Master Plan as proposed by Park Cattle.
No more changes to the master plan.
Mary Jane Harding
Ruhenstroth
Editor:
I am a teacher at Douglas High School and last year Kyle Heidt was one of my students. He is truly an amazing young man and through him I have had the privilege to get to know his equally wonderful family. In spite of the challenges they face, the Heidt family is an incredible example of strength, perseverance and the power of faith. They are facing huge obstacles and they need our help. (See Record-Courier Guest Opinion June 25. "A son's plea on behalf of a family in need"). I was trying to find something that I could do to help them and this is one of the things I came up with.
My family owns a cozy cabin just a block away from the Edgewood Golf Course. The Celebrity Golf Tournament is coming to Edgewood during the week of July 8-13. I am auctioning off a stay at our cabin for the entire tournament. The cabin is one block from a private beach and marina. It has one bedroom and is perfect for a small family or a couple looking for a getaway. You could enjoy the tournament and avoid the crowds, parking hassles and driving up and down Kingsbury. If you would like to use our cabin at some other time this summer or fall, the same arrangements could be made.
I have set up an e-mail address for all on-line bidding at tahoecabinauction@yahoo.com. The auction will close on July 6 and I will immediately notify the highest bidder. The proceeds from the auction will be given directly to the Heidt family in the winning bidder's name. What could be better, a true "win-win situation. Enjoy the tournament while you help a very deserving family. I thank you in advance for your generosity and prayers for my friends.
Karen Lamb
Gardnerville
Editor:
I have yet to disagree with the Record Courier editor, and his opinion piece in the June 20 paper was right on. Republicans will win the next three Commissioner seats in the primary. So what does that tell you? No surprise here, you have to be a Republican to win.
The party welcomes those who see the light and change over to the Republican Party, but not just to win a race. Now here is the caution to our real Republicans residing in Douglas County. Don't be swayed by a wolf in sheep's clothing. We have seen new people moving into the valley, changing their party affiliation to Republican for no other reason than to compete in the Commissioner race.
Now, all of a sudden, these same "new faces" are starting to connect with Republicans at organizational meetings that we have never seen before. So please, make sure, you understand the issues before you cast your vote in the primary, and that you know who the true Republicans are running for commissioners. If you don't, you only have yourself to blame.
In addition, I'd like to say "Hear, Hear!" to Gary Thompson's well-written letter, also in Friday's paper, thanking our commissioners and county staff for the professional work they do.
Tom Zogorski
Gardnerville
Editor:
As this note is being written it has been two weeks since our most recent graduation ceremony, and we continue to celebrate the 406 Douglas High School students that crossed the stage on June 6, 2008.
But this note is not about that night, it's about the night before, Grad Night 2008. As many of you know, every year we conduct a celebration on the eve of graduation, and we invite the graduating class to gather one last time and celebrate their achievements.
During these challenging economic times, it is very important for us to thank the fine people and organizations that contributed either their money or their products to support our grad night. We continue to rely on this investment, as, quite frankly, the night would not be possible without them.
With that in mind, We'd like to recognize the following people and businesses that helped make "Grad Night '08" the success that it was: Barbara S. Smallwood, Nevada Mobile RV Service, John and Patti Larson, Carson Valley Toastmasters, Coastal Aire and Sheet Metal, Inc., Janice Rice, Coldwell Banker ITILDO Inc.'s Patricia K. Dorrance, Rita and Robert F. Gloner, Certified Public Accountant B. Jane Lommel, Carson Valley Residential Care Center, Inc., Michael Haakinson, American Family Insurance, Janice Burgman - Re/Max Realty Affiliates, All Pro Mortgage, Dorothy Schumaker, Reverse Mortgage Specialist's Frank Simplico, Jim EnEarl, Stor-All LLC, Westerner Motel, Frank Lococo, Bill W. Johnson, Carson City Natives and Newcomers, Carson Valley Accounting, Carson Valley Medical Center, Century 21 - Clark Properties, CruiseScape Travel, Douglas Disposal INC, Greater Nevada Credit Union, J. T. Basque Bar & Dining Room, Mark and Susan Brune, Rowe & Hales LLP, Silver State Roofing Materials, Terry Taylor, United Electrical Services Inc., Christ Presbyterian Church, Jeffrey P. Pisciotta Builders, Inc., Bing Materials, Valley Cruisers Car Club, Carson Valley Inn, J.M. Furniture Inc. (Todd and Jacque Werner), Starbucks Coffee Co. CVRP & DC, Topaz Lodge and Casino, Wal Mart, Casino Fandango, Panchitas Killer Salsa, Sharkey's, West Coast Martial Arts, George Fuji, World Gym, GRAFX 8 Media Group, Leslie Evans, Jen's Optical House, Ferris Park courtesy of Mr. Don Bently, and David Walley's Resort.
It should also be noted that Douglas High School staff members donate their time to host the party.
The people who prepare the food begin in the early afternoon and the last chaperone shift doesn't end until about 1:15 a.m. Clean-up doesn't happen until the following day, and it usually includes DHS staff, district office staff, and members of the school board.
As you can see, the list above is significant and it is a testimony to the value the community places on our graduates and their celebration of this milestone in their lives.
Thanks again to all who supported Grad Night '08, and we all look forward to a great Grad Night '09.
Marty Swisher, Tom Morgan, Becky Rugger and Dave Pyle
The Douglas High School
Administrative Team
Editor:
It seems like the powers that be in Washington are playing chicken with our energy policy, pushing to see who will cave in to public outrage over gas prices first.
One side is determined to block renewable energy tax credits and open environmentally sensitive areas to drilling, even though there are already 68 million acres of public land, on and off-shore, already leased by oil and gas companies that haven't yet been put into production and over 9,000 permits to drill already issued which haven't been used yet. Plus, 82 percent of the offshore natural gas areas and 79 percent of the oil areas are still available for leasing. (HR Committee on Natural Resources report, "The Truth About America's Energy")
The other side is equally determined to promote renewable energy production and block any attempt to add to the areas that can already be drilled. They believe the leases already issued could be used to almost double our domestic oil production, increase natural gas production by 75 percent, cut our oil imports by a third, and produce almost six times the estimated peak production from ANWR. According to the Department of Energy, if drilling is allowed in ANWR it will take 10 years before it reaches the market and will lower the price of oil only 75 cents a barrel, which pretty much means we won't see any savings at the pump. And there's been no correlation between issuing more drilling permits and the price of gas going down - both have risen since 1999.
So while they fight it out in Washington, what can we do to help ourselves in the meantime? We can start conserving and reducing our energy needs now. Regardless of whether we drill in ANWR or not, we can't produce enough oil and gas domestically to supply our current needs, and gas prices are not going to go down substantially in the near future.
There are hundreds of practical suggestions on the internet, at sites by Sierra Pacific Power, Department of Energy, Sierra Club and others. There will be free workshops and exhibits at the Sustainable Living and Renewable Energy Roundup on Sept 13 and 14 at Lampe Park with lots of useful information and resources.
Up until now energy has been accessible and cheap and we've never had to give much thought to our energy use habits. But times have changed, and the sooner we adapt, the less traumatic it will be.
Vicki Bates
Gardnerville
