Letters to the editor for Sunday, June 28, 2015

Knecht should act, not complain

Nevada Controller Ron Knecht reached a level of tone deafness I didn’t think possible by an elected official with his June 18 Nevada Appeal op-ed describing NDOT’s “Zero Fatalities” campaign as “typical nanny-state smug preachiness.”

I’m sure his column extolling the unrealistic literal goal of zero fatalities scored some points with fellow members of his anti-government, clown car Republican mind-set, who like him are increasingly rendering themselves irrelevant, demonstrating their current elected position is an accident of history and ensuring they are replaced when they are up for re-election.

If Mr. Knecht had any sensitivity before he wrote his piece, he would consider that the Zero Fatality campaign raises safety awareness that prevents tragedies such as the brutal death of Vincent Yowell last December. His death followed several other pedestrian fatalities at a dangerous north Reno intersection prompted a community effort led by Gov. Brian Sandoval and Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve to erect a traffic light at the unsafe location.

Perhaps our state controller should follow Gov. Sandoval and Mayor Schieve’s example in finding a solution to a public safety problem instead of beating his chest with his own smug preachiness.

William Puchert

Reno

Sandoval should retire after term

So Sandoval’s not running for Senate — he says it’s so he can stay and do more for Nevada. Like what? Pass more taxes against the will of the people?

He couldn’t get elected dog catcher after stabbing the people who elected him in the back. Do us a favor and retire after your term is up.

Chuck Bonds

Dayton

Who benefits from this waste?

We spent thousand to put up fencing in downtown Carson only to tear it down. What is the reasoning?

They plan on redoing all of downtown at probably the cost of millions. Who pays for this? Taxpayers? Who benefits from this waste, business or residents? How much of the total bill is paid by the taxpayers? Shouldn’t the businesses who will profit? Who pays the bill for the future mess and traffic congestion? It’s a cinch residents will be using back roads avoiding the downtown mess. How will that affect residents of those areas?

This makes no sense; the city’s governing boards are a joke. It is careless about saving money and spending it wisely.

Why aren’t issues addressed and money well spent such as on street improvement and safety? We have some of the worst streets needing repair, repaving and they have been that way for years.

We have crosswalks that have not been repainted in years without adequate signs, yet they spend thousands around the capital area with flashing blinding neon signs. Why?

They put in roundabouts that create more hazard than traffic flow with everyone fighting to be first. Yes, and road rage. Whose stupid idea was that? Wouldn’t a traffic light been wiser? Forrest Gump said it best.

Roger Hartley

Carson City

How about Sunflowers, Sen. Reid?

So outgoing Sen. Harry Reid is upset that the nickname for UNLV is the “Running Rebels.” It is too bad that he wasn’t as upset with those Libyan rebels who attacked the American Consulate and killed four Americans, including the ambassador.

Perhaps he would be happier if we change all nicknames in schools, amateur and professional sports to something more docile. How about names such as; Sunflowers, Tulips, Daffodils, Warblers, Wrens, Worms, etc.? Can’t you just hear the announcer saying, “The Warblers are gobbling up the Worms on offense.” Maybe on one of those hot, sultry summer days we might hear; “The Sunflowers are wilting under the pressure.”

Slowly but surely those who think the same as “Dear Old Harry” are destroying the fabric of what made this country great. When the next election comes along it will be up to all of us to decide which direction we want to take. Voice your opinions to your representatives and make sure to vote. If you don’t vote then you really don’t have any reason to complain about higher taxes, less representation or fewer rights.

David Knighton

Carson City