Letters to the Editor
Pahrump Valley Gazette, Thursday, October 30, 1997 11
Halloween Safe Night
Again this year, Kiwanis is coordinating the advertising
and organization of Halloween Safe Night. However, the
student groups from our schools and other student activities
within our valley are doing the work and will be reaping the
rewards by making money for their various projects. Please
support them in their endeavors to provide our kids with a safe
place to celebrate Halloween.
The student representatives of the various youth groups
throughout the Pahrump Valley community are asking for
your assistance in making donations of cash or candy for
Halloween Safe Night which will be Friday, October 31 at the
Bob Ruud Community Center from 3-10 p.m..
Donations of money should be in the form of a check made
out to Kiwanis, so the students are not responsible for han-
dling cash. These checks will then be cashed and the money
used to buy candy and "trick or treat" bags. If your donation
is candy, tell the students and a representative will be around
to your location on October 27 or 28 to pick up your contri-
bution.
We wish to thank you in advance for your assistance in
helping us make this a safe and fun Halloween for the kids of
Pahrump Valley and surrounding areas. We would also like
to invite you to the Safe Night on Halloween see what a good
time the kids have and just how your contribution is being
used.
Kiwanis Club of Pahrump Valley
Judith L. Vianna, secretary
Freedom of choice
One of the better parts of being an adult and having my
own business is freedom of choice. In the recent debate
regarding animal control, I chose to petition against the new
ordinance for lots of reasons. Mine was one of the many stores
where you could stop in and sign against it. About two and a
half weeks ago a man came in and asked if he could have a
blank of our sign sheet. When I asked "why?" he said he
wanted to collect signatures so I gave him one.
On Monday this same person who never identified himself
came in again and still had the blank sheet. I started to explain
that the ordinance had already been defeated and he (still
unidentified) started out by telling me how "stupid" me and
the rest of the Pahrumpians are. What iusued from this wasn't
one oftbe finest hours in my store. I told him several rasons
I was against the ordinance. Agreed, the animal control is
necessary as a town such as ours grows, but that whether Nye
County liked it or not, we are still part of the U.S. and the
constitution still applies. Then he asked if I ever knew what
was in the constitution and if I could read. He was carrying
around copies of articles of the constitution. At that point I
mentioned I might not be the brightest bulb on the porch but
I can read. I am an American and I own my own business and
I wanted him to get out. And just who was he anyway? He then
identified himself as the author of the nightmare ordinance.
And he wouldn't leave until he found out just what it was I
objected to so strongly. And didn't I think it was my respon-
sibility to support the animal control as a citizen of Pahrump?
Many words led to many more in which I told him to leave
my store. After asking him why he hadn't identified himself
when he asked me for the petition sheet and had lied as to why
he wanted it, he had no answer.
I have been a resident here for nearly 20 years and have
been in business for nearly three. During that time I've
watched alot of changes in our town, not always to my liking
and when I have something to say, I usually say it. But I
always make sure people want my opinion and know who I
am.
Clark Wheeler, to my understanding, is not a vet and has
no training as such. He is also not lawyer. He must, however,
be hard of hearing or not understand English because after I
told him to leave, he continued to stand in my store and tell me
how stupid I was for not supporting his ordinance. Pahrump
may need a lot of things but I do not believe he is one of them.
His last remark was he would never come in again and I asked
him if it always took that long to get the message.
Helen Tucek
Pahrump
$1,600 impact fee (tax)
It was suggested at the last Nye County Board of Commis-
sioners meeting that the public should let their feelings be
known regarding the proposed $1,600 impact fee (tax) for the
school funds.
When my wife and I decided to retire in Pahrump, it
seemed to us an ideal place because of the low property taxes.
This is fast becoming history because there is always some-
one or some group with a pet project or scheme that urgently
needs taxpayer support.
I listened to the superintendent of schools pleading for
more tax money. It seemed to me yet another scheme to raise
taxes. In five years my property taxes have more than tripled
and the new home I just built is twice what I had to pay in
California. Keep in mind in California we had all the bells and
whistles. In Pahrump we have the barest of bare bone ser-
vices. I knew this when I bought here. But, now we have the
high taxes without the services. It is time to call a halt to all
these tax schemes.
The majority of voters voted against incorporation, the
library bond, and the museum bond because we cannot afford
the raise in taxes they would have caused. If these same voters
are given the opportunity to vote on this impact fee (tax),
which would be levied on new home construction, mobile or
manufactured homes that are set up, and each apartment suite
in new complexes, it would he defeated. If the voters approve
it, so be it.
I pay over $500 a year just in school taxes. All new
construction already generates large amounts of income for
the schools. With all this new construction the school fund
continues to grow to sufficiently finance the schools without
the impact fee (tax). Many, many of the people moving to this
valley are retirees and will have no impact on the school
system, but will still be required to pay an impact fee (tax).
According to a recent report in the newspapers, this year
there has been a decline in growth and school enrollment. Do
we really need a new $15,000,000 high school?
Instead of raising taxes we need a full accounting of how
our school tax dollars ar8 being spent. How was this $1,600
impact fee (tax) determined? As unfair as taxes are, at least
they are based on some kind of reasoning such as value of
property.
The school system in this country is probably one of the
most wasteful systems in government. My wife retired from
a school district where she worked in the finance department.
One of her jobs was to inform all department heads when
there were funds remaining in their budget at the end of the
school year. These funds had to bc spent to receive the full
budget amount for the next school year. In all government
agencies the term is, "use it or lose it," needed or not.
Three of our county commissioners are against most of the
tax schemes that originate in Pahrump. For example, incorpo-
ration, a building department, zoning, and now the $1,600
impact fee (tax).
This week an impact fee (tax) for schools. Next week
what?
Foye Crooks
PahrumD
Repealamend land division
moratorium ruling
The Nye County Commissioners on, Wednesday, October
23, passed a nine month moratorium on all land divisions
within the Pahrump Regional Planning District. This morato-
rium is to become effective on December 1, 1997, and last at
least until August 1, 1998, but may be extended. This was
agendized by Planning Director Ron Williams who cited that
his request was based on public safety and health reasons. He
made reference to the water supply and possible contamina-
tion. None of these "health and safety" issues have been, or
can be, proven or substantiated by anyone.
It was the public's understanding that everyone would
have at least until January 17, 1998, when the Interim Land
Division Policy would expire, which is what had been previ-
ously agreed to.
A request for an action decision to either repeal or amend
this moratorium ruling was agendized for this next County
Commissioner's meeting. This meeting is scheduled for next
Tuesday, November 4 in Tonopah at the County Building on
Radar Street.
This meeting has been called in order to gather support to
have the county commissioners either repeal in its entirety, or
amend the start date of this moratorium to January 17, 1998.
A repeal or amendment is still a possibility at this time, and
is certainly a more financial and economical alternative than
litigation. Please let others know about this meeting and be
there in support. We will also be asking people to travel to
Tonopah for the commissioner's meeting on November 4.
If you are not available to attend either this meeting or the
one in Tonopah please send us a letter/fax to show your
support. The more letters/faxes people we have to support
this, the better our chances.
For more information or to help: Lisa Mendel (727-4506)
Ron Murphy (727-6090) Ed Hensley (751-2113)
Fax: (727-7450)
Water rate increase
After attending the consumers meeting on Tuesday, Octo-
ber 28 regarding the water rate increase by Desert Utilities, I
noticed there was not one of our town board members or town
officials present to speak out against the proposed 731.60
percent increase in the water rate for Simkins Park. This
increase, if passed, will affect all taxpayers.
That evening, we attended the Town Board meeting,
where it was on the agenda to rename Simkins Park. They
voted to have a contest to pick a new name. It was also
mentioned that the park should not be named after someone
still living. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. That land
was dedicated to this town by Mr. Paul Simkins before he
passed away to be used as a park. why would there be any
question in anyone's mind to name it anything but "Simkins
Park." Mr. Simkin's family was one of the early developers in
this valley, and I would think that would have some historical
value to the people that live here.
Sue BeHemore
Pahrump
Thanks to Cancer Thrift
We at the Family Resource Center would like to thank
everyone at the Cancer Thrift for everything they have done
for us. They have helped us with many things ranging from
clothes to medical supplies, whenever we have needed their
help, they have been very supportive of our needs. So we at
the Family Resource Center would like to take the time to say
thank you to everyone there from all of us.
Laurie Rogers
Pahrump Family Resource Center
Rock Return requested
I need your help in finding a special rock. I purchased this
at the auction in Quartzite, Ariz. five years ago and it has
traveled with me ever since until it was taken from my yard
this summer, along with other rocks.
The approximate size is eight inches long, three to four
inches deep at base, and eight inches high. This is a picture
rock with "giraffes" galloping across the front. Starting at the
left, they are 1/4 inch high and at the right edge they are about
one inch high. This is a tan and brown rock.
Please return this to me in the silver trailer house at 4951
Pahrump Valley Boulevard. Leave it day or night and no
questions asked.
Mac Ondracek
Pahrump
Twas the night before
T'was the night before Christmas and all through the
house...
Yes, it's time again to ask for your continued support of mar
annual Christmas party for ,the children, also the annual
Easter Egg Hunt.
Every year the children of our community look forward to
visiting Santa and receiving a gift. For many this is the only
brightness of the holiday season. Let's not disappoint them
this year.
All donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated. We
try to spend $5 per girl, plus candy, popcorn, punch, cookies,
etc. and of course the gift wrap. This is really not too much to
spend on bringing happiness to approximately 550 children at
Christmas.
Just think of all the happy, smiling faces and dig deep.
Your support is greatly needed.
Thank you for your most generous past donations, they
were greatly appreciated and the children thank you also.
May god bless you, your families and businesses.
Love of children is what it's all about
In the spirit of Christmas,
Janet R. Picketing
Secretary
Children's Community Service Organization
Wander Cable
I do not know if you are aware of the great asset you have
in the crew (Dawn, Linda, B.J. and Wes) under your employ
in our area of Tonopah.
They certainly are polite, considerate and most helpful and
at some times when I am sure it is most difficult, especially at
the times when programming is not forthcoming.
You should thank your lucky stars you have them.
Zelinda K. Lang
Tonopah
Ed Note: This customer had trouble with her TV reception
and chose this method to thank Wander Cable when they
fixed the problem.
. I
The Pahrump Valley
Gazette corrects mistakes. Errors should be
brought to the attention of the newspaper by calling
727-5583.
OID
All opinions expressed on the letters page are those of
the artist or author indicated. The Gazette reserves
the right to edit all letters for length and flbel.
Furthernmre, letters with names withheld will only
be published if a legitimate fear of retriimtion exists.
