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October 29, 2003
Nye plays David to Clark's Goliath
Neth was pleased with the treatment the article received from the Review-Journal, but he said it was published under the wrong byline. On Monday the chairman said he didn't write the column. "I wish I had," he said. "That was a strong statement and the message was right on. But Commissioner (Candice) Trummell wrote it." So how did Neth's byline appear all by its lonesome at the top of the article? "The original idea was that all five commissioners would sign it, but (Chief Civil Deputy District Attorney) Ron Kent said we'd have to vote on that, so the decision was made that only one of us would put our name on the letter. "I told Candice I'd love to have my name included, but I'm not going to take credit for it." Neth said he was surprised the Review-Journal was willing to print the piece at all. "I would have bet they wouldn't publish it," he said. "The article talks a lot about the amount of YMP money that goes to Clark County. Some people don't want that information disseminated there because Clark County is supposed to be adamantly opposed to Yucca Mountain. I'm thrilled it was written and published." But Neth said he wasn't particularly pleased with the implication that Nye County favored a waste transportation route that would go through Caliente in Lincoln County. Trummell said Neth's name was used because she felt it would have more impact coming from the leader of the commission. "I wanted to point out discrepancies and the illogical actions of Clark County, state, and our federal public officials," she said Tuesday. "I wanted Clark residents to understand our side." In the end it doesn't matter who wrote the piece. The benefit is that the letter, whether one agrees with its contents or not, puts an intelligent face on Nye County. And that's something that rarely happens when the sophisticates from the big city take time to give us rural folk any notice. And while we're on the subject of Neth, the chairman hasn't started to campaign for a second term on the commission, but earlier this week he informally announced his intention to run again. It's far too early to forecast an election that's still a year away, but Neth has compiled an enviable list of accomplishments over the past 34 months that should hold him in good standing with voters. Commissioner Joni Eastley is likewise up for reelection in 2004, but she hasn't made up her mind on whether to run for another term. "I don't want to make a decision right now," she said. "Six or seven months can be a long time and a lot can happen between now and then." Filing for public office occurs in May. Eastley said she didn't want any vote she makes between now and then to be predicated on getting reelected. Midge Carver is also on the bubble when it comes to another term. She was appointed by Gov. Kenny Guinn to finish her late husband Dick's fourth term. Dick Carver died Jan. 9 following a lengthy illness. The legendary rancher's widow has gained the respect of her peers on the commission, and just like her husband before her, Midge Carver has emerged as the board's strongest voice when it comes to public lands issues. Carver acknowledged there is too much contention in Nye, and there always has been. Mostly, she frets over the future of northern Nye County. "It's scary that five commissioners could be from Pahrump next year," she said. "Pahrump is growing, and nothing's going to stop it. The north needs economic development as well, but we have these geographic limitations. We need to quit pussy footing around." Carver said she would continue to weigh her options before making a decision to seek a full term. So there you have it readers. Neth is definitely in. Eastley and Carver will withhold any decision - or at least an announcement - until springtime. Both would be wise to remember that those who would run against them are already throwing themselves in front of the spotlight. Like moths to a flame, they simply can't help themselves. Here's hoping Pahrump voters continue to understand that being a resident of the valley does not, all by itself, qualify someone as the best candidate for public office. Write to Doug McMurdo at dmcmurdo@pvtimes.com. |
