Letters to the editor for Friday, March 10, 2017

Treasurer Schwartz, Controller Knecht abundantly qualified

A Feb. 28 story about a legislative proposal to eliminate the people’s ability to choose the state controller and treasurer claimed “there are currently no educational requirements for either of these posts and few of those elected over the past 30 years have had the degrees and experience to do either job.”

That statement slights some outstanding public servants, including the current Treasurer Dan Schwartz and Controller Ron Knecht.

Ron Knecht holds a bachelor’s, a law degree, and a Stanford University Master of Economics.

Dan Schwartz has a Princeton University bachelor’s, a law degree as well, and a Columbia University Master of Business.

They’ve got plenty of education. And experience.

Schwartz has more than 35 years in corporate finance, securities, and financial publishing, as well as entrepreneurial successes.

Knecht has 44 years in public service and entrepreneurial small business, all in managerial and senior professional positions.

And both Knecht and Schwartz are delivering for Nevadans.

The Treasurer’s Office has revamped the state’s investment program and increased returns, launched a College Savings Program, and kept Nevada’s credit rating solid.

Knecht and his team cut 13 percent from their budget, returning more than $1 million to the state general fund, while improving services and operations.

There isn’t room here to detail the qualifications of many prior Controllers and Treasurers, but a little research shows that the claims that these offices are occupied by unqualified individuals is way off base.

Apparently the voters of Nevada are able to determine whether or not candidates for public office are qualified.

And Nevadans care about maintaining a government of, by, and for the people.

When the bill to eliminate electing Controller and Treasurer was heard in committee, there was significant testimony in opposition to taking the power away from the voters. Let’s hope the Legislature was paying attention.

Jim Hindle, chairman of Storey County Republican Party; Scott Keller, chairman of Lyon County Republican Party; and Roger Haynes, chairman of Carson City Republican Party.