Letters to the Editor

Candidate’s mention of Elks reflected membership only

There was an article in the March 9 issue of the Boulder City Review about the persons running for City Council. Under Kiernan McManus’ “club/organization/affiliations” the ending might have given the impression that he was endorsed by the Elks Lodge. The article was meant to state only that he was a member of the Elks Lodge.

The Elks Lodge never involves itself in politics and never endorses any candidate or issue of a political nature. I just wanted to clear that up for those who were concerned with the issue.

Al Shirley

Exalted Ruler, Boulder City Elks Lodge

Everyone needs to help prevent sexual assault

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Engaging New Voices,” builds on the idea that we are stronger together, and that new partners and community members are needed to expand sexual assault prevention efforts. We can all help foster attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality and respect. We can all educate ourselves in order to better understand the realities of this epidemic as well as help to dispel the myths that keep people suffering in silence.

Coaches, parents and faith leaders are a few of the groups that can have the greatest impact on changing our culture to one of prevention and safety. As a faith leader in this community, I believe it is my calling is to do all I can to support survivors and prevent future abuse.

Global estimates published by World Health Organization indicate that about one in three (35 percent) women worldwide have experienced some type of sexual violence in their lifetime. Sexual assault and abuse affect people of all genders, ethnicities and ages.

We all have a role to play in preventing sexual violence in our community. Our actions have a ripple effect on those we teach, guide and influence. From modeling healthy behavior to addressing inappropriate conduct, everyone can make a difference.

Changing beliefs which contribute to sexual violence starts with believing survivors of sexual violence when they share their stories. Remind those around you that sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. Seemingly small actions like this make a critical impact.

Get engaged this April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Learn more about how you can use your voice at www.nsvrc.org/saam.

Benjamin P. Wilcox

Time for residents to vote

Thank you to Hali Bernstein Saylor, Boulder City Review editor, for a wonderful, full article on the candidates running for City Council in the March 9 newspaper. It was excellent reading.

Now it’s time for you, the residents, to do your part; please get out and vote.

Larry and Darlene Looney

Boulder City needs to stay as it is

Bret Runion, a top Boulder City real estate broker, states that Boulder City is “a phenomenal place to retire…” in the March 5 issue of the local news magazine. Why? Perhaps because it is small and not super-urbanized, no gangs yet, and big Las Vegas and McCarran Airport are close, but not too close.

The downside to not expanding our mini oasis of peace and quiet is that Boulder City may not be able to fund a $15 million to $30 million dollar swimming complex for our championship high school swim team. And, maybe, Boulder City may need to reduce a major super facelift for Nevada Highway north of Buchanan Boulevard, etc. In other words, Boulder City may need to stay as it is.

I appreciate the need for communities to provide inexpensive housing for future generations seeking entry-level affordable homes. But we can easily observe generous amounts of such housing within a short drive north to our extended community of Henderson.

I recently spoke with a Boulder City (police officer) and I was informed that gang members already reside in Boulder City. Making Boulder City a carbon copy of the super-urbanized Las Vegas Valley will only exacerbate this gang threat, and many other unpleasant effects of high-density development.

I am a retired person and I also have a right to my lifestyle. I say “no thank you” to (Randy) Schams’ proposal for 1,600 new Boulder City homes and his new and improved Boulder City.

Fred E. Dexter Jr.

Many contributed to make Every 15 Minutes successful

Behind the scenes, so many groups and people made the Every 15 Minutes presentation at Boulder City High School possible.

We deeply thank our program participants and their families, Jill Bleck, Pastor Sandy Johnson, Dr. James Preddy, coroner investigator Felicia Borla, Andrew Bennett, Fritz McDonald (thank you for all the food), Mike Pacini, Mr. and Mrs. McPheters, John Barth, Sean Evans, Brian and Cyndy Williams of Y-Towns Custom Construction and Kendra Wright of American Family Insurance for providing drinks, snacks and chips.

We also greatly appreciate the agencies and businesses that took part: Boulder City’s police department, fire department, municipal court, hospital, parks and recreation, Big John’s Towing, Metropolitan Police Department, Friends of Boulder City Police Department, Jersey Mike’s, Mercy Air, Clark County Coroner’s Office, Boulder City High School staff, Boulder City Family Mortuary, Railroad Pass and the Boulder City Sunrise Rotary Club and Rotary of Boulder City.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the event planning and tireless dedication by both Barbara Agostini and School Resource Officer David Krumm, not to mention the watchful eyes of Detective Craig Tomao.

We thank you all for your commitment to this very worthy cause. Please open the lines of communication with your children, make contact cards for them, and give them the tools they need to get home safely every night. Don’t stop believing your kids can make good choices. Be safe, be smart and don’t drink and drive.

Vanessa Ward and the Boulder City Police Department