Editor:
A number of questions were raised at the Minden town hall meeting about the school continuation bond. For those who were not able to attend, let me provide some highlights:
Why a 10-cent per $100 assessed value rate?
This is the existing rate. Voting yes would not increase taxes. The list of capital projects expected over the next 10 years (see www.DouglasKIDS.org) is expected to require at least this amount of funding, certainly not less. Even with this bond, painful cuts and additional sources of funding will likely be necessary.
How does this rate compare with other Nevada counties?
At 10 cents per $100 assessed valuation Douglas County residents pay far less tax than others. Washoe County's tax rate is 38 cents. Carson's 47 cents, Churchill and Clark counties both have 55-cent tax rates for school construction; Lyon County has 59 cents and Elko County has 75 cents per $100 assessed valuation that goes to pay for school construction.
What if I vote yes? What if I vote no?
If you vote yes, your taxes will remain the same and the 10 cents will go to the schools. If you vote no, your taxes will remain the same but the money will be distributed to other county agencies.
What's the rush?
The school district can only generate capital funds three ways:
n School bonds: If the current bond expires but we do approve a future bond, it would put schools at the "end of the line." Because of tax caps, it would likely be uncollectable.
n Government Services Tax: By statute, a share of this tax only goes to schools if they have an outstanding bond. Failure of the bond would eliminate not only the bond revenue but this revenue as well.
n Building Permits: New home fees include $1,600 for the schools. This revenue is unpredictable (in 2002-3, $1.4 million; in 2007-08, only $229,000, 80 percent less).
When will bonds be issued?
For what term?
When possible, projects will be paid for directly. When necessary, bonds will be issued. Statutes won't allow the district to issue bonds with a term longer than the expected life of an asset (e.g. 20 year bonds won't be issued for assets with expected lives of only 10 years). The debt management Commission must approve each issuance.
Unlike California, Nevada doesn't provide capital project funding but leaves counties to find these funds. The KIDS Committee has considered many options and believes this is the best one for our county.
On the KIDS Committee since its inception, I believe this investment in our schools is vital to our community's health. I encourage everyone to review the KIDS Web site www.DouglasKIDS.org.
Greg Felton
Stateline
Editor:
If the school district has real building needs then it should look first at ways to get funding for the projects without asking taxpayers to foot the bill with a $40 million bond issue. They certainly should look at selling Kingsbury Middle School now that it no longer serves students at the Lake due to rapidly declining enrollment, which most certainly will continue to decline in the future. It would seem that the sale of Kingsbury Middle School, already deemed not necessary, and its surrounding acres of land could give the school district millions of dollars to fund their desired maintenance projects.
In the middle of the national debt crisis that is now occurring, selling an asset to provide building maintenance seems much more desirable than incurring a large additional debt of $40 million along with millions of dollars in interest on the debt.
I will not be supporting the Douglas County School District continuation bond.
Lee Steele
Gardnerville
Editor:
Mr. Thurm, the KIDS Committee and the Douglas County School District would like you to trust them and vote for their bond proposal which gives them virtually a blank check to perform whatever building and grounds repairs and improvements that strike their fancy.
This is the same school district that for 2007-08 school year, after administration knew there were large state budget cuts coming, gave large administrative salary increases, 10 percent and more to district office administrators and at the very least 5 percent to all other district administrators, which is considerably more than the 2 percent that the legislature funded schools for salary increases.
You would think a responsible school district, especially in hard financial times, would have given employees what the legislature gave them for salaries over this two year period. They should have used the over $1.5 million dollars of additional money which they used on salaries, on maintaining their buildings and grounds.
Actions speak louder than words and their actions do not sound like sound financial management to me, especially in times of State and Federal recession.
If a district willingly gives large sums of money to employees for salary and benefit increases above what was appropriated to them by the Nevada Legislature then the district should not come with their hands out for bond money for maintenance upkeep and to repair their buildings.
Taxpayers may have to fund these large raises because they did not get to vote on them, but they should resoundingly defeat the continuation bond.
Marie Rau
Gardnerville
Editor:
My name is Ron Lynch; I'm a resident and home owner in the Indian Hills Improvement District. I'm a retired elementary school teacher, teaching in Douglas County for 31 years.
I feel that Dianne Humble has made some unjust accusations in her letter to the editor in the Oct. 15's edition of The Record-Courier.
Dianne wrote in a derogatory manner about Laura Lau, the boards' chairwoman of the Indian Hills district.
If one has lived in the district for any length of time you would know that various boards have had their difficulties, including this board.
Our district is small. It cannot grow very much as there are only a few more building sites. There are some difficult issues in the near future, not with the board, but with our basic services.
There are Nevada and federal mandates coming that will require improvements in the district's water and sewer facilities. The district also has serious problem with arsenic contamination in our water supply, which will be a difficult problem to solve. The Nevada State Environment Commission is having a meeting in Reno on Nov. 12 about the arsenic problem.
The Indian Hills district is at its taxing limit. This board, as well as future boards, will have to determine how to finance the aforementioned projects as well as to continue to provide the districts' everyday current services. The longer these services are delayed the more it will cost the district as well as its residents.
I attend many of the district's public meetings. Dianne seems to make one think that Laura is making many of the boards' decisions, this is not true. It is a board composed of five members, each has one vote. By Nevada law all board meetings must be public; the meetings have to be posted three working days before the meeting. The public may even have a meeting agenda mailed to them before the meeting takes place.
At the meetings I have attended, I believe the board members have discussed thoroughly each major issue before them as well as asking the public for their input before they all vote on the issue or issues before them.
I believe each member of the board has the right to disagree or agree on the agenda item or items before them. Just because one agrees or disagrees with their peers does not make that member a bad individual, each member has that right.
As a resident of Indian Hills, you might want to inquire as to how much the former board spent on their attempt to make Indian Hills a city. It would also be interesting to find out how many hours district employees spent on the project. If the district would have become a city it would have require the following: its' own police department, fire department, paramedics. a judge, a mayor and etc. There would also have to be facilities to house these people.
And that is the rest of the story.
Ron Lynch
Indian Hills
Editor:
Last week's League of Women Voters Candidates Night demonstrated conclusively that experience is indeed a prerequisite of vision.
Although he has never held elective office, Greg Lynn demonstrated a firm grasp of the issues facing Douglas County in the coming years. His many years of volunteer service to the county demonstrated a profound knowledge of these issues.
Water, flood plain, traffic, infrastructure, and the Park Ranch proposal were explored with sound logic and great subject familiarity. Significantly, he declined to take a hard position on the Park Ranch issue until the entire proposal was presented to the full board of county commissioners after staff review.
What has Greg done to gain this experience?
n Worked exhaustively to develop the county growth control ordinance
n Worked to up-date the county's design manual
n Built the Douglas County Shooting Facility
n Published the building department newsletter
n Led the effort to develop the building permit allocation ordinance
n Contributed to the South Ranchos clean-up effort and numerous other projects spanning over 20 years.
With this kind of background is it any wonder that I'm voting for Greg Lynn for District 1 commissioner? Is there any reason that you shouldn't join me in voting for Greg on Nov. 4?
Paul D. Fry
Gardnerville
Editor:
As I was unpacking Christmas ornaments that I'd ordered last February, I thought to myself "maybe I should set up just one Christmas tree."
I have been in retail for 27 years in Carson Valley. I have noticed how early big box stores for example, Raley's and Costco, put up their Christmas decorations. I have always tried to hold out until after Halloween and sometimes even Thanksgiving. I realized maybe that wasn't the smartest thing to do as a retailer in our small town. I was just being a sentimental holdout.
The girls recently decorated our shop for fall, including Halloween.
I was on vacation while the redecorating ensued. When I returned I was embraced by all the warm and cozy colored fall decor, and lots of fun things for Halloween.
Since redecorating for fall, I have had a few customers ask me, "When are you going to put Christmas gifts and decor out?" Everyone seems to be planning earlier and earlier. I have people announce, "This is the last gift I need to finish up by Christmas list," and it's only June.
When Jan. 1 comes around again, we will be bombarded with sales reps already selling for Christmas 2009. Most retail stores have purchased their next year's Christmas stock by February.
Some companies will hold their shipping until September, but most say if we wait too long, we might not get the things we want. They would already be gone.
Then we have to find storage for all the hundreds of boxes that come early, and have to be paid for months before the holidays arrive. So here's the dilemma. Do I go against my sentimental values, or do I make all my early shoppers " and my overdrawn bank account " happy?
I know most of the store owners in this Valley, and I'm sure they all run up against the same problems.
I just hope we can all enjoy each season this Valley has to offer. Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring. Let's embrace each one as it arrives.
I would like to thank all the great customers and friends in this Valley for keeping our little stores alive.
Becky Soderman
Owner Classical Glass
Gardnerville
Editor:
Dear Mr. Russell, I am, in fact, convinced that Barack Obama is a communist. There is nothing in his history, including his questionable associations, or his proposed government policy that suggests he is not an ultra left wing radical. His voting record in the Senate out liberals Biden, Kennedy, Feingold, Kerry, Clinton, Dodd, our own dufus Reid, and 92 other senators. He has never seen a tax he didn't want to increase, believes in redistribution of wealth (accidentally showing his colors in his response to the plumber who asked him "Why do you want to increase my taxes?)," is historically opposed to the Second Amendment, and fundamentally would like to empower the central government to control every facet of our lives (trashing the "limited powers" defined by our Constitution). We would then share the joy of socialism experienced by the people of Russia, China, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, etal.
I am not, as you alluded, a "Joe McCarthy." To be truthful, my conclusion is that you have the political insight of Charlie McCarthy.
Dick Witzig
Gardnerville
Editor:
It is the season for both parties to start stooping to using personal smears and actual lies about their opponents. I always intensely dislike this period of the presidential general election every four years. Comparatively, the McCain campaign is using far more lies and smears than the Obama campaign, which only indicates the desperation of the McCain campaign as it slips down in the polls. I believe that most people of both political persuasions do not enjoy listening to these severely negative and untruthful ads. It degrades everyone.
On one of the main substantive issues of the day, it amazes and amuses me that the McCain adds assert that Obama voted to raise taxes 94 times, even though that charge was debunked in the first debates, and John McCain voted the same way that Sen. Obama did. Both parties keep glossing over the fact that when G.W. Bush came into office almost eight years ago, he inherited a balanced budget from the previous Democratic president. Now our debt has gone out of sight because Bush engaged us in a false war by illegal, pre-emptive means that is now costing us over $10 billion a month. This debt is going to cost taxpayers for generations far more than any taxes that might be imposed by the next President to implement needed programs to meet the needs of American citizens like health care and improved education.
On the other hand, the war that makes sense, the war in Afghanistan, is underfunded and undermanned and our forces are doing poorly there, fighting with inadequate troops and equipment.
The fact that the American economy has crashed under the Bush administration is due to greed and avarice on the part of people in the mortgage and banking businesses, and they were allowed to do this because those industries were de-regulated under the Bush administration. Thousands of Americans have lost their homes due to this crime, while CEO's are exiting from the failing banks with golden parachutes that are unbelievable to the average working American.
One important fact of the Obama program is that Americans who earn less than $250,000 a year will not be taxed, while the McCain program would tax the average American and give breaks to CEO's and other people at the top echelon of the big corporations, just as Bush has done under his administration.
Wake up people. Times have changed. The Republican party has not been the party of fiscal responsibility since President Nixon. The Democratic party proved that it is the party of fiscal responsibility by balancing the budget for the first time in decades under President Clinton, and Bush proved once again that the Republican party is the party that favors the rich and powerful over working Americans, and is fiscally irresponsible. Just go online and type in national debt and you will find out the trends and figures since Truman was President.
Rev. Dr. Jane Foraker-Thompson
Gardnerville
Editor:
In response to Debra Chappell's letter dated Oct. 17 entitled "Leave Obama Signs Alone," I am puzzled by her complaint. As someone who drives by Ms. Chappell's house on a daily basis, I find it odd that she would whine about missing or defaced signs when her humongous Obama billboards have been staring me in the face for the past month without interruption.
Far from being influential in the affirmative, the visual blight that Ms. Chappell's signage creates is the equivalent of political spam. Ms. Chappell's in-your-face approach to political discourse only serves to illustrate the mindset that is all too prevalent in the Democratic Party; i.e., to shout down opponents while doing the very thing that you accuse them of.
Ms. Chappell's Vegas-Strip-meets Jacks Valley yard decorations only serve the purpose of informing her neighbors in who not to vote for, and in this regard she will have hit a home run.
LaMoyne Bibbero
Jacks Valley
Editor:
Government is not our enemy, it's simply society's contract to provide for our common needs. Our problem is that as a country we don't pay attention and demand accountability of the representatives we elect to run the government. We need people who will govern well, not just seek to dismantle government. Can we do better this time?
Let's not base our vote on a familiar name, physical appearance, who we'd most like to have a beer with, or party affiliation. This year let's vote for people who are smart and thoughtful, who have good judgment and aren't impulsive, reckless risk-takers. Let's vote for those who work for everyone, not just the most powerful. Can we finally abandon the lie of trickle-down economics and make providing good education, good health care, and good jobs for everyone our new priority? Let's rebuild our economy based on environmental responsibility and energy independence.
Turn your backs on those who rely on fear-mongering, smears, and distractions to win votes. Vote for those who will reverse our shameful descent into torture, rendition, and unlawful detention. Vote for those who will uphold the constitution, work with other countries to eliminate terrorism and poverty, and use military force only as a last resort.
A representative democracy like ours doesn't work without the informed participation of its citizens. If we won't accept this responsibility and vote wisely, we'll get the ineffective, failed government we deserve.
Vicki Bates
Gardnerville
Editor:
When a person is elected, and subsequently inaugurated, as president of our United States and, constitutionally, the commander-in-chief of our Armed Forces, he/she gains access to information protected at the highest levels of security.
During nearly 40 years of private and public sector employment as a nuclear scientist, my personal background was thoroughly investigated before I was granted access to highly classified information, and then periodically reinvestigated for as long as my security clearance was in effect.
If any questionable behavior traits, associations with individuals or groups known to be enemies of my country, etc, were discovered in my background, my security clearance, and hence my employment, would have been revoked.
All American citizens, before casting a vote for a president, have a right to know the proven truth or falsity of current emails and public proclamations/insinuations about Sen. Obama's associations with: 1] a known terrorist, 2] a member of the Communist Party, 3] a clergy member who preaches "G-D America," and 4] whether Obama's by-birth citizenship is valid.
Investigative reporting, long an established foundation of the fourth estate, seems to have vanished in recent times.
The public is not receiving "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" from the so-called drive-by media, but deserves the right to know nothing less.
Americans, demand the truth.
Carleton Bingham, PhD
Gardnerville
Editor:
There is less than one month until the election, an election that will decide the next president of the United States. The person elected will be the president of all Americans, not just the Democrats or the Republicans. To show our solidarity as Americans, let's all get together and show each other our support for the candidate of our choice.
It's time that we come together, Democrats and Republicans alike.
If you support the policies and character of Obama and Biden please drive with your headlights on during the day.
If you support McCain and Palin please drive with your headlights off at night.
Thank you for your participation.
Frances Sullivan
Minden
Editor:
In the past 12 months, 13 organizational members of Active Volunteers in Douglas used the skills and talents of more than 1,685 individual volunteers.
In total, they gave 85,729 hours to our county communities. Based on the independent sector valuation of volunteer time at $19.51 per hour, that means that the value of volunteer time in Douglas County is $1,672,572.
Yes. A value of over $1 million.
Several organizations were unable to provide information on number of volunteers and total hours worked, and AVID does not track volunteers in service organizations or churches. If we had all that information, we would all be astonished at the accomplishments and contributions volunteers make in our area.
Active Volunteers in Douglas, was created in 2006 (replacing RSVP).
It is a private non-profit organization that promotes, maintains and supports volunteerism in all county communities and provides avenues for recognition and encouragement of volunteers. Any organization that uses volunteers can be part of the AVID data base on volunteer needs.
AVID maintains a phone line to receive inquiries about available volunteer positions (783-6450) and uses the data base to direct individuals to organizations that meet their requests.
The board meets monthly at Douglas County Sheriff's Office and is open to all.
If you would like your organization to benefit from affiliation with AVID, contact the president, Sgt. Jim Halsey at 782-9931.
Mary Ellen Conaway
Treasurer of A.V.I.D.
Gardnerville
Editor:
Last week beginning on Oct. 1 and lasting Oct. 3 the Mono County Sheriff's Department, in support of the Madera County Sheriff's Department (who were the lead agency for this incident), took part in the search for Steve Fossett's plane.
This event quickly became the focus of national media and many law enforcement and search personnel from other agencies showed up to offer their help.
The Mono County Sheriff's Department had their command post set up at Mammoth Lakes Airport to conduct search briefings and to coordinate all involved personnel. The appropriate coordination of all the media, search personnel, law enforcement personnel and others quickly became very important.
Under the direction of Madera County Sheriff's Department and the Mono County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue Coordinators, the search, which could easily have been confusing, was handled with professionalism.
Likewise, the media staging area that was set up dealt with all the reporters and their satellite trucks without difficulties.
It is truly amazing to be part of such a huge search effort and the Mono County Sheriff's Department is well aware that without the help of all the agencies involved, this would not have happened. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the following agencies who were involved and recognize the important role each one played: California Office of Emergency Services, National Traffic Safety Board, Madera County Sheriff's Department, Madera County Search and Rescue, Mono County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue, The Town of Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes Police Department, Mono County Public Works, California Rescue Dog Association, Inyo County Search and Rescue, Kern County Search and Rescue, Calaveras County Search and Rescue, China Lake Mountain Rescue Group, Inyo National Forest, U.S. Forest Service, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, San Bernardino County Search and Rescue, WOOF (dog teams), Nevada Office of Emergency Services, Lyon County Sheriff's Department, Lyon County Search and Rescue, Washoe County Search and Rescue, Yosemite Search and Rescue, California Air National Guard, California Highway Patrol, Salvation Army, Rocky Mountain Concessions.
Once again, thank you. Your efforts were very much appreciated.
Richard C. Scholl
Mono County Sheriff
Bridgeport
Editor:
To the families of Jacqueline Brooks Jurosovich wish to thank all who sent cards, food, condolences, said prayers, and those that attended her memorial service at Trinity Lutheran Church which was beautifully done by Pastor Eric Borchers.
We also want to thank those that attended her service which was held at her home a few days later.
All those who helped with her care in the last few weeks, a great big "thank-you" to you.
John, Dylan and Conner Jurosovich
Lois Brooks
Robert and Melanie Brooks & Family
Patrick and Annette Brooks & Family
Gardnerville
Editor:
A special thank-you to Linda Still, R.N., with VistaCare Hospice, Father Paul McCollum, Father John Corona and Father Jose Sobarzo, and all of the members of St. Gall Catholic Church and our friends who visited Jerry Parkos and showered so many prayers and so much love on him.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the friends who brought us meals and kept us company during Jerry's illness and subsequent passing.
You'll never know how much it meant to Jerry to know so many people cared for him.
Please keep us in your prayers as we will remember you.
The Gerald Parkos Family
Gardnerville
