EDITOR:
I would like to ask your readers to remember why they moved to Carson Valley and why they left their last home. (I know that there are a few natives here, but I would bet that 90 percent of the people living here are from somewhere else, probably California.)
Remember how you hated the crowded roads with the stop and go traffic, the houses jammed in side by side, the constant noise from traffic, the crazy shopping malls with acres of hot pavement, the crowds of unsmiling, unhappy and unfriendly people, the air and light pollution, the high taxes, and the constant worry of becoming a victim of crime. I'm sure you can add some more items to this list. It really just boiled down to just too many people crammed into too small a space.
Now remember what you saw in this Valley that made you want to move here. The open spaces with green pastures, the nearby mountains and deserts that offered solitude, beauty and quiet, the small towns inhabited by friendly people, the uncrowded small stores staffed by helpful employees, the low crime rate, and the feeling of peace and well-being that you had just being in this rural Valley. Once again I am sure you can add to this list as well.
When you moved here you knew that you were going to live a rural lifestyle and that it would involve certain "inconveniences."
You might have to travel greater distances to buy certain items, and when you bought something locally, you might have to pay a bit more, but you were willing to accept that for the peace you felt, just living here. You enjoyed living in an area with a low population density. The advantages greatly outweighed the disadvantages, and you did not measure the happiness you felt living here in dollars and cents.
When you think about and express your opinion about growth in general and Walmart coming to Gardnerville in particular, please remember why you came to this rural valley. You know that building a Walmart here is just the start. In no time south Gardnerville will look like, and feel just like northern Douglas County. For me I do not find that to be a pretty picture. I hope you agree and will let our elected representatives know how you feel.
John Hunter
Gardnerville
