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Letters to the Editor

Paying off town’s debt today helps build a better tomorrow

If approved, Boulder City Question No. 1 would allow the city to accelerate payment of the raw-water line debt, potentially paying it off at least eight years early and saving taxpayers almost $3.5 million in interest. It’s hard to argue with that!

But a few people have been heard to say that a little debt in a small town’s portfolio isn’t necessarily a bad thing. That’s true, too. Debt can certainly be a useful tool under some circumstances. In fact, without going into debt, Boulder City never could have increased its water-delivery capacity to keep pace with increased demand 15-plus years ago, because the raw-water line’s original price tag was well over $30 million.

But now the city has other needs, including an aging electric utility infrastructure that needs to be replaced. So getting out of debt sooner and using the savings to pay for projects like these is what makes the most sense now. Doing so will also put our community in a better financial position in the event that new debt for these or other projects needs to be considered in the future.

Boulder City voters enjoy the right to approve any city debt over $1 million. Likewise, we should empower our city leaders to reduce and retire debt when, like now, it makes good common sense to do so.

When you exercise your Constitutional right to vote, please be wise and vote Yes on Boulder City Question No. 1.

Bruce and Rose Woodbury

Roger Tobler

Will and Kelley Ferrence

Bret and Priscilla Runion

Alan and Kristy Kerner

Michael and Teresa Giroux

Chad and Jennifer Robinson

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I may be leaving Boulder City, but it was not an easy decision. From the first time I came in and met the staff and community leaders, I saw a city filled with people who truly care about where they live and work. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with some incredible people.

Is the grass always greener?

Many people in the past played a golf game to cement a business deal, didn’t they? They also played golf to socialize. Has Boulder City recognized lessening play on golf courses? Or, from another perspective, what happens when million-dollar homes are placed around our open space golf course with views of the McCullough Mountains? Do fewer people play golf on the Boulder Creek golf course?

Parting is such sweet sorrow

Shakespeare was the man when it came to comedy and tragedy. His ability to make people feel the intense emotions of the characters is still imitated today. The past few months have been filled with a bit of excited anticipation at City Hall as several longtime and high-level employees have found new roles in other acts. I’m here to borrow some Shakespearean lines, the first being from Ophelia, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” (Hamlet)

Me, my brother and Silo Sam

Recently, I’ve been enjoying watching shows on A&E related to professional wrestling back in the earlier days, with profiles on wrestlers I grew up watching as well as classic rivalries.

Let’s talk about the ‘D Word’

OK, as a starting point, I must note that it’s weird to think that I might be writing something that would put me in agreement with the Language Police.

Make a new plan, Stan

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Honoring National Public Health Week

In my eight decades of this amazing life, I have worn a great many hats: son, brother, father, major (USAF), grandfather, council member, state representative, state senator.