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Letters to the Editor

Meals on Wheels provides invaluable service

As an active senior citizen, I knew about the many benefits provided for locals but did not think much about them outside of a check now and then.

Suddenly, I was thrust into a situation where I was paralyzed and unable to do more than feed myself. My husband thought of Meals on Wheels, and we have been the beneficiaries of this service for several months. God bless the wonderful volunteers and donors to the senior benefits we enjoy in this wonderful city.

Nancy A. Carlyle

Cyclists need clearly marked lanes, stay off sidewalks

Boulder City dutifully marks bike lanes on most all of its principal streets. Yet bicyclists seem loathe to use them. Bicyclists are most often seen riding on the pedestrian sidewalks or riding three or four abreast in the vehicular traffic lanes, especially at Industrial Road and Veterans Drive with their multimillion (dollar) bike path just a hundred or so yards away.

Perhaps the city could redirect some funds to renewing the vehicular traffic lane markings, some of which are quite faded.

Jack Corrick

Officials don’t work in public’s best interest

The Feb. 2 Boulder City Review reported dissatisfaction with the land management plan meeting. Duh. The buzzword is transparency.

Every public servant, both elected and appointed, is required by law to practice it. The elites must solicit public input, but, they are not required to listen nor act upon it. It’s another one of those laws that looks good on paper but is worthless in practice.

Here is a truism that every citizen-taxpayer must know and understand. Rule No. 1: Contrary to accepted knowledge, public servants do not work for your best interest. They work for their own best interest. Want proof?

If you can find a financial statement for almost any government agency, you will discover about 75 percent of the operating expenses are wages, benefits and pensions. That means 75 cents of every tax dollar you pay ends up in another person’s bank account. If we are lucky, we the people receive services of less than 25 percent of every tax dollar spent. Such a deal.

When 25 percent goes to one real estate developer, the elites immediately go to Rule No. 2: We the people are not entitled to know of decisions made at the water cooler or in a church meeting room. Want proof?

At this point of the debate, the elites in City Hall will never discuss (or admit) future tax increases required for schools, roads, water and sewer, and police and fire protection. That is a debate to be scheduled for a future time, after the developer has left town and the current elites are enjoying early retirement.

Now, if the elites hold another public input, don’t be surprised.

Curtis Clark

THE LATEST
Alumni events, marriage and a real Nazi

Ron’s column from a few weeks ago inspired me to tell a story about a weird event from my past. Mine is not as exciting as his in that there is no wrestler named Silo Sam. But there is at least one Nazi. And, no, not the current “I disagree with your politics so you are a Nazi” version. An actual card-carrying member of the party.

Las Vegas Veterans’ Memorial to Boulder City?

Veterans’ memorials can be found all over the Silver State. They are well deserved. They honor individuals who served the nation, and also commemorate battles and events regarding the many military anniversaries in Nevada.

City manager bids fond farewell

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

A plan is a method for achieving a desirable objective. It’s a program of action, usually memorialized in writing. Plans start with goals and ideas. But ideas alone (even good ones) don’t constitute a plan.

Time to recognize unsung heroes

We have so many functions within the Boulder City Police Department, from school resource officers to road patrol to the detective bureau. The work that they do keeps Boulder City among the “Safest Cities in Nevada” (newhomesource.com, alarm.com) year after year. One unit is the backbone of our public safety response: Public Safety Dispatchers.

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.