Higher casino tax would fund schools
To the editor:
In response to Geoff Schumacher's Sept. 30 column, "For better schools, we must pay":
Mr. Schumacher has stated facts as far as it goes relating to the state being in dire need of education reform, and more money being necessary to pay for the drastic changes. Nevada is one of the wealthiest states in the union, yet our per-pupil spending doesn't even put us in the middle when compared with other states.
No one expects Nevada to be No. 1 in spending per student -- or 10th or 11th in the academic picture. On the other hand, its current standing is a disgrace to the state.
Casinos in Nevada pay a lower tax rate than any other state. Secondly, the casinos and construction industry -- coupled with the lack of a state income tax -- are, for the most part, what have drawn people to Nevada. Growth rates in Southern Nevada due to mega-casino construction have forced us to build more schools, fire and police stations, streets, sidewalks and underground utilities, etc.
Another revelation is the fact that the construction and casino industries hire professional lobbyists to influence state legislators. The only leverage provided the average citizen is the individual voting power or the occasional letter.
That's why we must raise taxes on the casinos for schools. Young people represent the future of this country. Improvement of the Nevada public school system should not be a third, fourth or fifth priority. It needs to become No. 1.
SAMUEL GILCHRIST
LAS VEGAS
Casino renovations
To the editor:
Thank you, Review-Journal, for your dogged persistence throughout the Harrah's room renovation investigation. I wonder how extensive is the arrogant disregard for permits and inspection is within resorts struggling to keep up with newer properties opening each year.
Other "aging" properties -- any hotel more than five years old -- and the appropriate government agencies must be put on notice that there are procedures to follow and consequences for not following them.
C. DAVID HARKNESS
LAS VEGAS
Energy woes
To the editor:
On hearing about the coal-fired power plants that are planned for White Pine County, I'm behind Sen. Harry Reid and his opposition to the proposal.
I enjoy back-country fishing and hiking. The power plants are only going to take away from this area in both air and water quality. Sen. Reid is trying to ensure that Nevada will prosper from a policy of investing in geothermal, solar and wind power.
mike gies
HENDERSON
Honoring Margo
To the editor:
The front page of your Sept. 30 Nevada section highlighted the many awards captured by the Review-Journal's writers. Some 14 first-place winners were presented with awards by the Nevada Press Association. The praise is well-deserved, as I am a frequent reader of many of these writers.
But may I add another name to the list of those so honored?
Week after week in your Sunday Travel section, Margo Pesek presents an extremely well-researched and well-written piece on some aspect or historical note on Nevada's past and remarkable geographical environment. This may not be earth-shaking political intrigue (although her columns often allude to precisely this part of Nevada's past, but her work merits appreciation. Why her contributions are not recognized really escapes me.
In Ms. Pesek's steady hand, much of Nevada's history comes through to readers. She provides enough detail to entice the novice into exploring the regions she writes about. She offers just enough historical and geographical background to captivate without overwhelming the reader. Her accurate and clear directions to the destinations she discusses could not be done any better.
So as a committee of one, may I offer Margo Pesek an award for her long tenure in explaining and writing about Nevada? She has shown she is more than equal to the task, as are many other contributors to the Review-Journal.
T. W. LINDENBERG
NORTH LAS VEGAS
War veterans
To the editor:
When I saw Marine Maj. Gamal Awad's photograph in the Oct. 7 In Depth section, I wept. What has our government done to him? What hope can I offer him and the more than 185,000 wounded Iraqi soldiers when I have lost faith that our leaders in Washington even care?
If I thought my tears would help heal him, I would cry for the rest of my life. You see, I am the mother of a Vietnam veteran also suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
jeanne ebner
LAS VEGAS
