Letters for June 9, 2011

Big time

Re “Ross Miller messed up. Big time.” (Right to your head, June 2):

Judge Russell acknowledged that the special election statute (NRS 304.230) is “ambiguous” and “has scant legislative history.” He then agreed with the Republicans that Ross Miller went beyond the “plain meaning” of the statute and cites case law that a statutory interpretation can be stricken “when a court determines that the agency interpretation conflicts with legislative intent.” That’s nuts.

Rich Dunn
Carson City

Taxed to the limit

So, Gov. Sandoval is being hailed as a “statesman.” In my book, he is nothing but a liar and a sellout. The tax-takers are happy, the state will get its blood money, and the private sector taxpayer gets it right between the eyes, again!

Did anyone see or hear anything about jobs being created? Did anyone even listen to tapped out taxpayers? Just where do these geniuses in Carson City think this money comes from?

I am tired of being treated like a third-rate ATM. Who speaks for the private citizen? Certainly not our “statesman” governor.

Bruce Feher
Las Vegas

Salty response

Re “Salt licked” (Foodfinds, May 5):

I loved McHenry’s Pub and Grille. I have been there many times, never had a bad meal. It seems only fair that a place should be given at least a second chance before being condemned. After this review, the place turned into a ghost town, and now it is gone. Thanks a lot for helping local business. The owner was very adamant about using local vendors, and now they will suffer, too. We all need to stick together if we ever expect to pull out of this recession; after all we are the hardest hit.

Mario Luis
Sparks

Critic dead wrong

Re “Salt licked” (Foodfinds, May 5):

I totally disagree with this author. Can’t call her a food critic because she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. My husband and I eat frequently at this restaurant because the food is fresh and is not over salted. We are very sensitive to salt and won’t patronize most restaurants in this town because of their intent on using it and processed food. My guess … she and her friend had more beer than they cared to admit. And yes, I have eaten the same dishes she commented on, and she is dead wrong! We love it at McHenry’s! Your so-called expert needs to find a real job. And you want us online commentors to be nice with what we say. Too funny RN&R. Take the heat or get out of the kitchen … or restaurant, as it may be.

Kim Salavarrieta
Sparks

Boot illegals

Re “Gross proceedings” (Editorial, May 12):

The budget crisis threatens the budgets of the cities of Reno and Sparks, Washoe County and Nevada. Where can we find the money needed for these budgets? What can we do to improve students’ achievement tests? Where can we find money for higher education? Where can we find money for our policemen, firemen and city and county employees? How do we improve our standard of living? You tell me, where?

Illegal immigration costs U.S. citizens $113 billion each year! That breaks down to $1,117 for every household member in America. Take a look at the FAIR website: www.fairs.org, where you will find the report I just mentioned along with other reports: “Welfare use by Immigrant Households with Children: A Look at Cash, Medicaid, Housing and Food Programs,” www.cis.org. The Las Vegas Review-Journal ran an article regarding a report called “English Language Learners and Immigration: a case study of Clark and Washoe Counties.” The article includes the fact that teaching children with limited English skills costs us, the Nevada taxpayers, $722 million per year; takes instruction time from other students and contributes to Nevada’s bottom ranking on student achievement tests. The question needs to be asked, “Can we afford the illegal immigrants anymore?”

Roy M. Avery
Reno

Only a fraction

Re “Summer bucket list” (Feature story, May 26):

I am a frequent visitor to Reno, and as I don’t drink, gamble or wish to jeopardize my 20 years of marriage, have found very little to do during my weekday stays. Even after checking online and reading the Gazette-Journal, Reno for me was “Fresno with gambling.” But no longer! Thank you for your great summary of all there is to do in your fair city. I hope the Chamber of Commerce finds a way to link your article to anyone looking for fun activities that don’t involve walking through a casino.

Jim Guida
Sacramento, Calif.

Entitled boomers

Re “Budget crisis basis” (Letters to the editor, May 26):

Sue Dane declares that “California baby boomers—seniors—come to the state of Nevada” for “affordable property taxes, and no state income tax on their pensions to fund California style entitlement programs to accommodate the working poor.”

The state of Nevada funds only the bare minimum of health and human services in partnership with the federal government. There are few, if any, state-funded entitlement programs for the working poor in Nevada beyond the matching requirements of the federal government. An example of “the working poor” includes people with severe disabilities who are able to work only part-time, many of whom earn far less than minimum wage in rehabilitation facilities. What exactly would Dane propose to do with these Nevadans?

I am dismayed with the “I’ve got mine” mentality of retirees moving to Nevada. Their political interest is self-interest—low taxes—potentially leading to the further erosion of the quality of our state. They would limit the educational opportunities of Nevada’s children and students pursuing higher education. They don’t understand the direct relationship and relevance of education to economic prosperity.

I yearn for a state of Nevada that serves people because its citizens know and recognize the value of investing in Nevadans. With no investment in our most precious resource, our children, we will all be the working poor. I have no interest in building more prisons to incarcerate those who have not had the services that will help them rise above a life of crime through effective addiction recovery programs, mental health counseling, or vocational training programs.

I am a Nevada baby boomer raised on a homestead south of Carson City. My parents championed the values of quality education and the responsibilities of citizenship, including concern for those who are most vulnerable. I had the opportunities for a quality education in Nevada. I hope that my grandchildren will enjoy those same opportunities because Nevadans care about the future of all its citizens.

I suggest that California baby boomers seeking low taxes and minimal civic responsibility expand their search for a new home in third world countries.

Cindy Newell
via email

Max profile

Re “Max Volume” (In Rotation: In the mix, May 26):

You can judge for yourself: The Max Volume Band plays at The Alley in Sparks on June 10.

John Tuckness
Reno