Bigotry charge off the mark

I am writing regarding a letter to the editor in the Aug. 2 edition of the Pahrump Valley Times, "Bigotry at the Sheriff's Office," authored by Arthur D. Jones.

The letter plainly defames the integrity of both the administration and the men and women who make up the Nye County Sheriff's Office. Bluntly, the letter says that our (yours and mine) agency is one of bigotry - and I take personal umbrage with that accusation and am compelled to write on behalf of the agency's administration of which I am a part, and it's members.

I have known and enjoyed a friendship with Jones since the early nineties. I have great respect for him and in no way am I trying to disparage him with my response to his letter. My intent is to address the subject of the idea that we (the "Sheriff's Office") are bigots and the proposition that bigotry is a common thread, pervasive and condonable part of this agency.

In brief, neither this administration nor members of your Sheriff's Office are bigots or hold to the idea that bigotry is in any way appropriate within the realm of law enforcement, running a law enforcement agency, running our agency or any venue one might consider, period.

It has been one of my duties to deal with complaints of all natures from citizens about personnel for the last 16 years. Thus, it was I who handled Jones' complaint, which was an accusation that a member of the Sheriff's Office was a racist.

I ensured that the complaint was fully investigated, reviewed the evidence and determined that the racist accusation was not sustained, even based on a preponderance of the evidence; however, I sustained a separate policy violation and imposed appropriate disciplinary/corrective measures.

Unfortunately, the fact that law enforcement agencies are bound by law and cannot openly discuss details involving confidential matters leaves the door open for guesswork as to measures taken and why. Were it within our ability to lay bare the investigation for full understanding by the reader, we would have certainly done that and possibly avoided the criticism, " ... He stated that he was restricted in discussing the action and corrective measures were being taken on my complaint," which was merely the truth being shared with Jones, rather than a perceived avoidance strategy designed to hide something sinister.

The passage of time referenced in the letter is lacking elements to give an accurate depiction of the course of events. From the letter it appears that we took the complaint and did nothing on it.

When the complaint was first brought to my attention, the complainant did not wish to formally address the issue at that time and wanted to think about it.

It wasn't until after an incident in May 2004 that the complainant returned to the Sheriff's Office to lodge a formal complaint. Subsequent to the complaint being received, the complainant was interviewed in October 2004; the investigation continued and the investigator's report was authored in January 2005. The case was reviewed in it's chronological order to cases under review prior to the conclusion of the investigation into Jones' complaint and amidst other responsibilities of the division; In other works, Jones' complaint wasn't the only task needing attention.

After careful review and analysis, I corresponded with Jones in July 2005 and informed him of the outcome of the investigation surrounding his complaint. The wheels of justice sometimes turn slowly, but at the end of the day it is diligent scrutiny that is one of the cornerstones making this the greatest country in the world.

Investigation of the accusation was a serious event. My responsibility is to fairly and objectively address the concerns of the complainant as well as the employee, both of whom the complaint process represents. In the case at issue, the evidence did not support the allegation, either with clear and convincing evidence nor the mere standard of a preponderance of the evidence.

The idea that Jones believed we "supported bigotry" is somewhat understandable absent details of the time frame added to what he apparently believed was a lackadaisical response to his very legitimate concern.

An allegation painting a person as a racist is very severe, just as serious as the accusation that there is "Bigotry at the Sheriff's Office." It has never been my practice to hear any complaint and then decide the alleged offender is guilty without clear and convincing evidence as applicable to Jones' complaint or without a preponderance of the evidence at least.

Who do you know that would expect, approve of, or apply that "brand of justice?"

To expect that this agency would paint anyone as a racist/bigot without determining the facts would be extraordinarily unreasonable, fundamentally unfair and simply wrong; just as wrong and unfair as ignoring such a complaint would have been, had that factually happened.

William L. Weldon

Assistant Sheriff

Nye County Sheriff's Office

Apologies to George Romeo

We placed an ad in the July 14, 2006 issue, thanking all of our sponsors for the fundraising events that we had during the first half of this year, the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Jerome Pollock Memorial Golf Tournament and the Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Unfortunately, it was either omitted from the list or our publicity person did not notice this at the time it was proofed, that our biggest sponsor for Cinco de Mayo was not included.

The entire board of directors for the United Way of Pioneer Territory would like to thank George Romero, of Romero Enterprises Inc., for all his time and energy in making this one of the biggest events we have had.

If it wasn't for all the advertisements placed by George on the Hispanic radio stations and including many local businesses from our Hispanic population, this would not have been as successful.

The collaboration between the Town of Pahrump, United Way of Pioneer Territory and George Romero is what expands this event every year and lets us get to know each other better.

The United Way of Pioneer Territory strives to offer family gatherings for all in our community.

George, please accept our sincerest apologies for not being mentioned in our thank you. We appreciate your time and dedication to this event and look forward to our continued cooperation for this and any future events.

Virginia Berquist

Chairman, United Way of Pioneer Territory

Thank you

Rocking M Rodeo Company would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who showed up for the first annual "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" night during the WPRA All Women's Rodeo.

Rocking M Rodeo Company is donating $1 from the admission fee of everyone who showed up wearing pink to the Southern Nevada Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

We thank you for your support and hope to see you at the next "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" event.

Garret McCaslin