Letters to the Editor

Editor:

During the last few years there has been a significant increase in the senior (over the age of 65) population in the United States primarily due to the "Post Depression" babies reaching retirement age. This trend is expected to continue as the first baby boomers turn 65 starting in 2010. Where are all of these seniors relocating for their retirement? Well, we know it is not in Douglas County. As you drive around the county, the number of vacant houses and for sale and for rent signs you see is unbelievable. Besides that, there are several dormant housing developments which were primarily designed to be sold to seniors. We are rapidly losing ground in attracting retirees to our county.

Our county commissioners have done nothing to alleviate this situation and make Douglas County more attractive to retirees. Not only have they failed to approve the construction of a new senior center, but recently they approved significant cuts in the senior services budget for the next fiscal year. They have approved conceptual plans for expanding the existing jail and a new detention facility. This sends two messages to retirees: 1) the county does not want new seniors; and 2) there will be a considerable increase in the crime rate with no potential increase in population.

During the last few years, I have visited many senior centers in retirement areas in the western United States. At several of these locations, the local Realtors use the centers as showcases to attract retirees. For some reason our local businessmen and politicians don't believe that retirees, who are potential real estate buyers, are well informed on how Douglas County treats its seniors. Our seniors are far more intelligent about local conditions than the county businessmen and politicians like to perceive. It's time that our county commissioners and chamber of commerce wake up and realize that viable senior population is essential to the financial welfare of our county.

Paul Lockwood

Minden

Editor:

I find it very sad that The R-C for the second time, found it necessary to make a front page story of a fine former longtime Douglas County deputy's wrongdoing.

This woman has lost everything. Why further humiliate and embarrass her on the front page plus a photo inside.

I had personal dealings with then-Deputy Misty Dee a while back. I found her to be very understanding, kind and compassionate of my situation while acting in a professional manner in her law enforcement capacity.

But for the grace of God, go any of us. And sometimes, even with the grace of God go the best of us. If a lifetime, good moral law-abiding person should fall once or several times that does not automatically change a very good person into a bad one, nor does it make them a criminal.

True no one is above the law, however even the best can fall short.

I sincerely hope that Misty Dee will do no jail time, since she has already paid restitution. I wish here the best.

Judi Muller-Hannon

Minden

Editor:

Last Friday's and today's editorial page are the articles concerning changing your party affiliation to be able to vote Republican or Democratic in the upcoming local election for the commissioner position. My question to all voting citizens of Douglas County, do we care what party the commissioners are affiliated with? Are any of the issues facing the commissioners in running Douglas County either Republican, Democratic or Independent? In my opinion it doesn't matter the party they are affiliated with as long as they run Douglas County in a positive way and vote accordingly. Please feel free to enlighten me if I am wrong.

B. Anderson

Gardnerville

Editor:

The Gray/Miller, Blanchard and Taflinger/Sanders families would like to extend a thank you to the following people and businesses for all their love, help and support they have given during this difficult time:

Staff Sgt. Shawn Bobbe (Timmy's escort), 1st Sgt. Thomas Sauls, Capt. Salzman, Sgt. 1st Class Gonzales, Nevada Army National Guard, Pastor Rich Lammey, Chaplin Harold G. Woomer, Jr., Josh Munoz, cousins Matt and J.J. Warner, Uncle Mike Taflinger (speakers), 47th Combat Support Hospital, 62nd Medical Brigade, Madigan Army Medical Center, Terry Krout, Heather, Brian, Emily, Ellie and Travis Keene, Jennine, Sean and Sarah Cunningham, Katrina Allmet from Kid Pix, Mr. Don Bently of Bently Pressurized Bearing Company, Lisa at Port of Subs in Gardnerville, Sue Bennett for doing the memorial cards, Copies Plus of Gardnerville, Raley's and Smiths of Gardnerville, Jiffy Air Tool, East Fork Fire District and Station 7, the Patriot Guard, First Lady Dawn Gibbons, Dean Heller, Sierra Nevada Chapter of Blue Star Mothers, Pony Espresso, Russell's Mercantile, Killer Salsa, Carson Valley AYSO, Adult Co-Ed Soccer, Mary Thomson, Gary Chandler, Debbie and Tim Askay, Steve, Greg Mike, John, Gregory and Gabe Taflinger, Debbie Harris, Donna Sugden, Jeana Jorgenson, Jannell Evans, Denis Jorgenson, Janet Lufrano, Nancy Fredrickson, Darlene Stanfield, Dan Allmet, Joyce Jones, Donna and Mike Gray and family, Marydawn and Mike Dean and family, Tammy Brower, Don Evans, Meza Family, Jamie Gomes, Jen Fredrickson, Scott and Nicole Gesselman, Jeriann Underwood, Stacey McKinnish, Becky Caughron, Leslie McGarry, Jessica Souder, Mary Ann, James and Lisa Valdez, Addison and Angie, the kids who collected coins for Kassidy, Jesse, Callie and Joeylynn, Romanowitz Family, Olsen Family, Bradshaw Family, all the flowers, cards and donations from the community, Eastside Memorial Park and FitzHenry's.

It is wonderful to see a community come together and help honor the memories of Staff Sgt. Timothy and Sgt. Randi Miller.

The Gray, Miller, Blanchard, Taflinger, and Sanders Families

Carson Valley

Editor:

We would like to thank the Education Foundation and National City Bank for supporting our "Literacy For All" project. With the funds, we purchased science materials for our children with special needs. These students often cannot access the curriculum that their typically developing peers can, as the typical texts are too high a level for them to comprehend.

With the donations of $1,000 and $500 dollars respectively, we purchased books to modify (with textures and altered text), puzzles, manipulatives, science bag kits, etc. not only for our children identified with special needs, but all children in the classroom to use. We were able to purchase items for all six grade levels and have a tremendous start to this project. Without donations such as these, our programs are limited in their potential to their application to all students. Now we have a more colorful and interactive science program for all of our students. Thank you so much for your support of our Meneley students

Sheri Grove and Susan Lacey

Gardnerville Ranchos