93°F
weather icon Clear
Boulder City, NV
Opinion

We need to better ourselves now

More Stories
bcr default image
Understanding Boulder City’s electrical rates
bcr default image
State of emergency
bcr default image
It’s all about first impressions
bcr default image
There’s something about a new school year
By Kiernan McManus A Word from the Mayor
April 1, 2020 - 3:03 pm
 

We need our better selves now as we deal with the COVID-19 virus. The response from our community has been overwhelmingly supportive of the efforts to fight this disease and protect our families, friends, co-workers and neighbors. I am not surprised that we are rising to this challenge as this community has always shown our strength when challenges arose. I am deeply appreciative of these efforts in this situation.

The threat from this disease is real. The threat is also greatest to older members of our community but can literally be a matter of life or death for anyone. We cannot take the threat lightly and we need to have our medical professionals guide our responses and actions.

I am writing this column a week before it will be published in this newspaper. The past few weeks have shown how the situation can change quickly. I believe the one fact that will not change over the next week is that we must follow the direction of the medical professionals to determine the solutions that are needed. Gov. Steve Sisolak has done an outstanding job of keeping all Nevadans informed and making the very difficult decisions that are necessary.

The necessary actions have sadly resulted in hardships for many people. Some businesses are closed and a large number of people have lost jobs. There are resources available now and more resources are being made available to help us through these difficult times.

I want everyone to know that assistance for many basic needs is available if needed by our residents. I encourage everyone to check the city website for daily updates of information. The website is www.bcnv.org. You may also call 702-293-9329. There is a link on the main page to resources that are needed in response to this pandemic.

City Manager Al Noyola and our city staff have been implementing plans over the past few weeks to prepare for the emergency. Fortunately, we have not seen a large number of people in Boulder City with the disease as I write this. The purpose of closing nonessential businesses and facilities is to limit the exposure each of us may have to a person who may have the infection and places where the virus may exist. These same reasons are the basis for asking everyone to maintain social distancing of 6 feet when others are present.

The city emergency response is being coordinated by Fire Chief Will Gray. These plans include coordinating supplies and procedures with our local hospital and local nonprofits. Community Development Director Michael Mays is coordinating volunteer and donation offers. You may email him at mmays@bcnv.org if you have time or items to donate.

Emergency Aid of Boulder City, the Senior Center of Boulder City and Lend A Hand are all stepping up their already great efforts to provide meals and other necessities. If you can help their efforts with monetary donations or supplies, please contact the organization directly. These organizations have provided valuable support for our community and can use our support as well.

The Clark County School District is providing meals for students at Mitchell Elementary School Monday through Friday mornings. Academic resources are also available. More information is available at http://newsroom.ccsd.net/food-distribution-information.

Our congressional representatives are working to provide support to those who have been laid off and businesses that have been impacted. Sens. Jackie Rosen and Catherine Cortez-Masto, as well as Rep. Susie Lee, have all been personally providing information updates and inquiring about the needs of our community.

Congress, at this time, is working on legislation to provide support and benefits under these emergency circumstances. Information is not available as I write this for the most recent benefits but there is an effort to provide unemployment insurance payments to those who may not have been eligible previously. Gov. Sisolak has opened the enrollment period for health insurance. If you are in need of benefits, information is available at www.nevadahealthlink.com.

I again want to say how much I appreciate the efforts of so many of our residents and business owners to face the difficulties and stress this pandemic has foisted on us.

Please stay home for Nevada and stay healthy.

Kiernan McManus is mayor of Boulder City. He is a native of Boulder City first elected to City Council in 2017.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
bcr default image
Understanding Boulder City’s electrical rates
City Talk By Gary Poindexter, Public Works and Utilities Director

“The city held rates as low as it could for as long as it could.”

bcr default image
State of emergency
By Rod Woodbury

My favorite memories as a Boy Scout and church youth group leader always seem to center on community service opportunities.

bcr default image
It’s all about first impressions
By Mayor Joe Hardy

When I was younger, my parents instilled in me the importance of making a good first impression. Look people in the eye. Make sure you give a firm handshake. Focus on what they are saying and don’t be distracted.

bcr default image
September offers something for everyone at Boulder City Library
More than Books By the Boulder City Library

As the heat finally comes down outside, inside the library we have cooked up some amazing events for this upcoming September that we’re excited to tell you all about. No matter what age our patrons are, we pride ourselves on having something for everyone, and our programming schedule for September is no exception.

bcr default image
Looking back on Sept. 11
By Ron Eland

In just over two weeks, the nation will honor the 25th anniversary of one of the worst days in the history of this country.

bcr default image
What is long-term care?
Community Heartbeat By the Boulder City Hospital

Long-term care refers to a range of services and support for people who need help with everyday activities over an extended period due to aging, chronic illness, disability, injury, or cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

bcr default image
Veterans, seniors: Scarcity of low-cost housing
By Chuck N. Baker

Housing of all types for all sorts of individuals seems to be a buzz-word these days. But seniors and veterans especially seem to be lacking when it comes to locating reasonably affordable residences in reasonably decent neighborhoods around the state. What’s a body to do?

bcr default image
Now, that’s a really good idea !
By Rod Woodbury

We generally expect our leaders to be educated, smart, and well-informed. More often than not, we support, elect, and follow those who appear to have an answer for everything. But good leaders don’t know everything. And the very best ones know that they don’t know everything.

bcr default image
Sound decisions keep Boulder City costs down
By Paul Sikora Purchasing, Grants and Risk Manager

Boulder City residents occasionally ask how the city is able to have one of the lowest property tax rates in the state, and still provide needed functions such as police, fire, and public parks. In addition to land leases that provide 35% of our general fund budget, we also look at ways to keep costs down. As the city’s Purchasing, Grants and Risk manager for the last eight years, I have seen the city make decisions that keep us lean.