Letters for September 4, 2003

I am deeply disturbed by the dams, fleets of caterpillars and workmen intent on re-routing this fragile ecosystem.

While a significant percentage of Reno’s downtown is laid to waste as empty dirt lots, the neglected aftermath of demolished buildings left to rot and haunt the heart of our city, what productive action do we take? Do we rebuild? Do we engage in the simple and loving act of planting grass, trees or even sagebrush?

No.

In the wake of destruction that has left the epicenter of the Biggest Little City barren and desolate, there is no relief offered to the victimized eyes. Instead, we choose to wage war even further, down to the depths of the very soul of all that is good in this godforsaken town, we dig up the riverbed.

Whoever is responsible for this decision ought to be ashamed. I feel inclined to pose one last question: Where is the monkey wrench gang when you need them?

Name withheld
Reno

Town gets no respect
I would like to nominate comedian Rodney Dangerfield as the patron saint of Mound House. Dangerfield’s trademark line, “I tell ya, I don’t get no respect,” could just as well apply to my recent dealings with the Bureau of Land Management and Lyon County Sheriff Department.

Mound House sits between the Virginia Mountains on the north and the Pine Nut Mountains to the south. [It] is bordered on the south by BLM land and sits near the Lyon/Carson County line in Lyon County. The old V&T rail line cuts through the area. The Old V&T and the side roads that diverge from it are a great access into publicly owned wild lands from recreation and, sadly, for illegal dumping.

I approached the local BLM office in Carson City to find out if there was anything that could be done to keep the wild lands around Mound House from being trashed. The public servant at the BLM said, “You live in Mound House, what do you expect?” I asked if signs might be placed to let the trashers know they were breaking the law. My BLM contact informed me that signs are a waste and not needed. I recently saw signs just like the ones I requested in nearby Brunswick Canyon.

The other evening, I witnessed two men dumping an abandoned or stolen vehicle on the Old V&T south of Mound House. They pushed the car 200 feet down the dirt road, removed the license plates and left it there. I returned home to report the vehicle to the Lyon County Sheriff. I was prepared to give descriptions of the perpetrators and the other vehicle involved. They didn’t contact me. The next evening, I noticed the abandoned car, no different than the day before. I called Lyon County Sheriff’s dispatch again; I was assured the officers would take care of the matter. Now it is two days after the second call. What can I say?

Emil Stockton
Mound House

Builders of a better America
On this Labor Day I would like to highlight the efforts of a group of people who are sometimes unsung heroes. These are people who merit our recognition—the craft professionals of the U.S. construction industry.

Construction is among our nation’s largest industries. Monuments to the construction craft professional are all around us. These professionals build the homes, offices, schools, churches, restaurants, highways, sports arenas and other venues so central to our everyday lives.

When we turn on the water, flip a light switch, air condition our homes, drive down the highway or engage in other everyday activities, we have the men and women of the construction industry to thank.

More than four out of five U.S. construction craft professionals choose not to join a labor union. Instead, these workers thrive in a free market environment where success is based on talent, skill and training, not seniority or status. In the merit shop construction industry, opportunities for skill improvement and advancement are virtually limitless. Today’s pipe-fitter might just be tomorrow’s business owner.

Clara Andriola, President
Associated Builders and Contractors, Sierra Nevada Chapter

Correction

[Re “Initiative for Corporate Responsibility in Nevada,” Aug. 28]:

The process for an initiative petition for a change in a Nevada statutes was incorrectly described. A petition circulated by the Committee to Restore Citizens’ Rights needs 51,244 signatures to be considered at the Nevada Legislature in 2005. If the legislature doesn’t act on the initiative, the question would be voted on in 2006. If an alternative is proposed, both questions would be up for a vote.