Editor's note: On May 6, 18-year-old Matthew Cole Martin of Carson City admitted defacing property throughout Carson Valley with graffiti that advocated white supremacy and violence to Hispanics. On May 27, he was placed on formal probation by District Judge Dave Gamble. Martin wrote an apology to the community that he consented to have published in The Record-Courier.
To the community of Douglas County:
First off, I want to apologize to the homeowners and business owners. I want to apologize for what I did to you for defacing your property. I had no right to do that to you or anyone else. I am sorry for making you go out and paint over the stupid thing I did. None of you people ever did anything to deserve that. I hope that in time the home and business owners can forgive me not only for what I did, but for also what I put you and your families through.
Now, I want to apologize to the rest of the Douglas community. My actions for what I did to your community are inexcusable. The kids of the Hispanic community had done absolutely nothing to have to go to their middle school and see what I did. I am sorry to the entire community, but more to the small children and older children. No one should have to walk around their town or city and (see) graffiti in it, especially racial graffiti. I also want to apologize to everyone else in the community: Teachers, parents, grandparents, children and the rest of the community. I can't take back what I did to your community. I just hope that in time, hopefully, you will forgive me, but if not, I understand.
Matt Martin
Carson City
Editor:
I found out that they are going to cut the band funding at Carson Valley Middle School by half next year. Unfortunately, we will probably lose our current band teacher, because his salary will be cut in half, and this is not enough to support his family. They performed a concert the other night.
They sounded wonderful. I'm so proud. Last weekend they took first in a competition in southern California. It would be horrible to lose our middle school music program. My fifth-grader is looking forward to it. It also supplies the high school with much needed talent.
The pride of Carson Valley may not be any more if the music programs at the junior high level and the elementary schools are cut. It's time for the public to stand up and let their voices be heard. We want the program to stay, fully funded. Please let the school and school board know that this is important to the community and the students.
Penny Russell
Minden
EDITOR:
During the first week of May of this year, a portion of Toler Lane near Orchard chose to become a duck pond.
A paving depression appeared in the north lane. The road department was right there to close the entire road, not just the affected lane.
The county expressed their concern for us taxpayers by informing The Record-Courier that repairs would be made in the fall. No temporary fix, to get the road open and keep the ditch flowing for irrigation. So much for responsible problem solving. Too bad for lost time and gas money for those people who use this east -west artery. Enter the peoples' Commissioner Doug Johnson, appraised of the situation, he made some calls. The road was made driveable on May 23. Thanks to Doug, we didn't have to wait for the fall. That's a concerned leader working for the taxpayers.
Raymond L. Gray
Gardnerville
Editor:
Regarding Jim Slade's guest opinion, the Park Ranch is in the perfect location for development. Period.
Every desirable community grows. What you refer to as change, others call reality. You referred to the Parks as once proud? Do you know something others don't? Your anti-progress mentality and your friends desire to take others' property rights are the reason I moved away after 40 years.
Sir, It is people like you and your SGI friends that have tarnished the Valley, not progress. Too bad someone didn't close the gate right before you showed up.
Ron Rooker
Mountain Home, Ark.
Editor:
This past week I had occasion to frequent the Douglas County Senior Center for lunch.
I was appalled at the dining room, it's like eating in a sardine can. The whole place is bursting at the seams.
The efforts of Warren, Shannon and Tammy, plus all those volunteers who give of their time are endless.
I suggest the county commissioners and all those millionaires who live in our beautiful Douglas County go unannounced to the senior center for lunch.
The beautiful Carson Valley I knew 20-some years ago has turned into Californiaville.
You mean that efforts of those like Jethro and Big George can't be combined to give a new senior center to those of Douglas County, which is so badly needed. Or are we too busy making more money to see what is going on around us.
Mary A. Sment
Carson City
Editor:
We wished to thank all the businesses that generously donated to the Gomez and Shultze families' fundraiser.
Thank you Tumbleweeds Gymnastics, World Gym, Barone & Reed Food Co., Rite Aid, Sandy's Salon, J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room and all the other businesses that donated items for our raffle fundraiser.
Once again, our community has shown its generous support.
DeeAnn Evans
Gardnerville
Editor:
Save my quail. Only you can do this by calling your representatives of both houses of Congress. The price of bird food is rising fast. The price of gas is rising fast. We can help both problems easily.
Production of ethanol is ruining the country by not growing corn, wheat and other grains for food and growing corn for ethanol, subsidized by our government. It costs more to produce a gallon of ethanol than it does to buy a gallon of gas.
Oil companies are ready, willing and able, to drill within our border and in our coastal waters for oil, thus reducing the need for ethanol. They have clean, safe methods for doing this. Why allow the Chinese and Venezuelans to drill in our coastal waters for our oil, but not our own companies?
Quail are becoming scarce. I'll continue buying feed for them to help them survive as long as the price of feed doesn't go higher, but I'm getting close to my limit, especially when I can't afford the gas to get it.
Only Congress can change the law to allow drilling. Ask them to do so.
Judy Jacobs
Topaz Lake
