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Letters to the Editor, Sept. 19

Committee will bring needed details about pool, finances

I just read the article in the paper today (Sept. 12) about the committee formed to work on the swimming pool issue. I am very happy to hear there will be a committee with residents and knowledgeable people working on this.

I voted no on the swimming pool on the ballot, but it wasn’t because I didn’t want a pool in Boulder City. It was because I felt the residents were being railroaded into spending too much money on it without the proper groundwork beforehand. Yes, we need a pool and yes, we will need to spend a lot of money on whatever the committee recommends. But, by the time they are through, I will be ready to vote yes because I will feel the proper studies will have been done.

Pat Benke

More action, fewer false narratives needed from mayor

In the mayor’s column in the Sept. 5 Boulder City Review, he defines “false narratives. It is amazing how the falseness of the narrative depend on who is giving the “narrative.”

At two forums, I heard (then) Councilman (Kiernan) McManus say that he had “proof” the city “had set aside millions of dollars to develop the four corners in the Eldorado Valley.” I asked if he would share his proof with me. We met at City Hall, and he explained that there were “millions of dollars in various reserves” in the city budget.

I asked for “proof” that they were designated for the four corners; his response was, “Why else would they have millions of dollars in reserves?” He finally acknowledged that it was his opinion. The “proof” seemed lacking.

I think that fits his description of a “false narrative.”

Here are a few more I observed from the past campaign. I heard these from the mayor or from club members while I attended the candidate forums or various club meetings.

Woodburys own property in Eldorado Valley and will make lots of money.

The mayor and City Council members have been paid off by developers.

We don’t trust the City Council or staff.

We can’t trust them to issue city bonds even if it saves the city money.

They have inflated the cost of the pool to allow for paybacks.

Councilwoman (Peggy) Leavitt sanctioned the murdering of dogs.

Mr. Mayor, you won the election. Get over the campaign. Talk specifically about how you are going to “work toward changes that will more directly benefit the residents of Boulder City.” Then we will all “pay more attention to what I (Mayor McManus) believe will be done in the coming months. … Action always speaks louder than words.”

Mr. Mayor, use your “clear majority” to explain your future plans with the specificity you use to criticize your predecessors.

Smile, be a unifying force and a positive builder of Boulder City.

Ross Johnson

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.