Letters to the Editor June 20

Editor:

Interesting letter from Leslie Williamson in the paper. I too was at the lunch she spoke of and I find it interesting that Doug Johnson would support 600 more units for the Park master Plan Amendment than Mr. Blaine Spires. After we reviewed and discussed the issue with more information Mr. Spires decided it was a non-starter. Unlike some audience plants who tried to put words and numbers in Mr. Spires' mouth about the Park Sister's project, we looked into it and found it to be a non-starter period. The reason?

The 20-acre underlying zoning that is under the proposed open space. The Park corporation has a fiduciary responsibility to it's stock holders to make money, therefore they will not remove the 20-acre zoning and give us free and clear open space in critical floodplain so we stopped right there. Apparently Doug would be happy to give them 600 units, that's 600 more than Mr. Spires would support.

It's also fascinating that Doug resigned the chairmanship of the Board of County Commissioner's to run his re election campaign right before the critical budget balancing act but after making all the critical advisory board appointments. That's the kind of leadership and due diligence Ms. Williamson wants? What has Doug accomplished in the last four years? Introducing the business tax, resigning the chairmanship, throwing Mr. Brady under the bus when he went after tighter fiscal accountability?

I just can't think of one positive thing Doug has actually accomplished. There is no consensus on the board of commissioners, there are no new ideas, they are sitting on the biggest bomb to come along in decades, the failure to ground proof the FEMA maps that have put just about every property from Buckeye north on the east side of Highway 395 in a FEMA flood area and then he voted to approve the first reading of a Draconian Floodplain Ordinance that could cost property owner's millions of dollars in engineering studies, if they want to do something as simple as add a patio to their house. Is your property in a FEMA flood area?

I co-authored the master plan and I can attest that Mr. Spires has excellent advice on the plan, the Park project, economic development, the growth ordinance which he absolutely supports and he unearthed the best kept secret, the floodplain ordinance and FEMA maps that put the airport underwater and crash our transportation plan among other damage. I proudly support Mr. Spires over his do nothing opponent. We need new blood, fresh ideas, leadership and traction, and Mr. Spires can provide these to the taxpayers. Doug had his chance and he resigned. That says it all.

Michael Hayes

Minden

Editor:

In recent months, The Record-Courier has published a number of editorial letters which have criticized Douglas County's commissioners and county staff. The criticism often emanates from a disagreement with a commissioner's vote or stance on one or more of the many issues the county is currently facing. Certainly, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and has every right to express that opinion.

What disturbs me however, are unfounded attacks on our commissioners and county staff by disgruntled individuals or self-appointed watch dog groups. Case in point is the June 6 Guest Opinion by Bob Ballou. Mr. Ballou, directly or through innuendo, accuses the county commissioners and or county staff of non-specific actions which have caused "cynicism and distrust."

According to Mr. Ballou, the citizens of Douglas County "have difficulty communicating with our county government." He states this is "due to a lack of openness and an absence of listening to - and passionately serving the folks who live and work here." He cites "rumors and backroom deals," "questionable financial reporting," etc., that "have led to cynicism and distrust." Mr. Ballou goes on to state "that our problems (whatever that means) are rooted in our government's lack of transparency and accountability." He also implies that there is a need to "reinstate government integrity in Douglas County."

These are slanderous charges that amount to defamation of our county commissioners and staff. Mr. Ballou does not provide the reader with specific actions or names to justify his assertions. This reminds me of the constant Bush bashing by left wing liberals we have all experienced the past eight years - whine, whine, whine.

I profoundly disagree with Mr. Ballou's assessment of our county government. During the past several years, I have attended and participated in dozens of meetings with county commissioners and county staff either as an individual or neighborhood representative. In all cases, I have found our commissioners and staff to be sincere in listening to the issues presented. They have always been open and transparent. They have impressed me with their passion to serve the folks they serve. Specifically, Dan Holler, Mimi Moss, Commissioners James Baushke and Kelly Kite have always gone the extra mile to assure fair and open dialog. Most importantly, I have never had reason to question their integrity. In fact, in interacting with a multitude of government agencies for more than 45 years, both as a professional or individual citizen, I find Douglas County government to be the most open, transparent and communicative I have experienced.

It's time we thank our commissioners and county staff for the professional work they do for the citizens of Douglas County. Despite the constant sniping and whining, they get the job done.

Gary Thompson

Gardnerville

Editor:

We had a fantastic turnout for the Genoa Home & Garden Tour.

I would like to thank the homeowners for opening their homes, without them there would be no tour. Also, Dave Ruff from Greenhouse Garden Center, Heather Kahabka of Plant It Nursery, and Jim Vinton, owner of Shadows Landscape, who gave the garden talks.

Tahoe Ridge Winery, LaFerme, The Genoa Country Store, the Town of Genoa and Antiques Plus contributed a combined $330 for the gift basket that was given away at the church. The Carson Valley Pops Orchestra supplied the volunteers. Without the efforts of each and every one of these people the Tour would not have been a success.

Thank you all.

Martha Williams

Genoa

Editor:

A few months ago Mashelle Begovich and Joanne Feactue went to many businesses in town and asked for donations for a benefit given for me, Debbie Roberts, in Reno on May 10 at Coney Island Bar & Restaurant. I was diagnosed with cancer Aug. 29. Since then I have had some treatment, three surgeries and right now I'm going through a total of 12 chemotreatments. The benefit had an auction and raffle prizes.

I felt it was very successful. I want to thank every one very, very much who bought raffle tickets and/or donated items. We live in a great community " very giving and helpful. Thank you Gardnerville.

Debbie Roberts

Gardnerville