Let's clean it up

Reading the Pahrump Valley Times, it seems local nuisance cases are becoming a nuisance to the city fathers of Pahrump. If these residents come from elsewhere, maybe they are not sure what is really considered a nuisance, or maybe the language in our ordinance is written up incorrectly.

While working for North Las Vegas, we considered a typical nuisance case as any type of noise after 10 p.m. that met a certain decibel meter reading, such as loud music, etc., or running any noisy equipment unless issued a special emergency permit to do so.

What Pahrump considers a nuisance, we had a small task force called "beautification enforcement." It's very simple.

Once issued a citation, you're then notified of the problem. It must be resolved in a certain time limit or the city did it for you, which cost heavily, and sent you the bill. If unpaid to simplify the situation, a lien was then put against your property.

In my view, a few residents in Pahrump are getting off easy in yard clean-up. Maybe if the wording was changed to "beautification" instead of "nuisance," it could make a world of difference to the looks of our town.

As said, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." There's no reason why you can't keep your treasure. As a for instance, our vehicle ordinance read, any vehicle left out in the open with an engine not run-able, up on blocks, being restored, unlicensed or not street worthy, must be covered with a tarp or put indoors out of sight. It didn't have to be junked.

If you have an ordinance that applies in proper language, I see no problem writing citations to clean up our little town of Pahrump.

Food for thought, commissioners. You decide.

CHARLES A. HAGEN

One victory for animals

Thursday, Oct. 19, justice came close to being served in this fine town.

Leonard Gelzainis 12 months ago committed a brutal slaying of a cow. After enduring a long process, finally the man paid his dues.

My husband and I sat in the back of the courtroom. Some of his family, sitting in front, was making fun of and laughing at what was being said as testimony was being given. However, the clear victory came when Mrs. Bearss and the very young neighbor boy gave their testimonies.

Mrs. Bearss: You are a clear example of what making a difference is all about.

I personally couldn't have been more proud of you and the young man that testified if you were my family. Unfortunately, there is so much more that has to be done.

There are way too many cruelty cases simply being ignored. Who's to blame? Start with animal control. Dawn and Barbara were bad enough with their inability to civilly communicate. They soon learned that talking down to people doesn't earn you points.

Now we have four people, much more money for the taxpayers to pay, but terrible service.

If there are animal abuse cases reported, they might drive by, and if you try to get information, one excuse after another is given.

If you continue to push for more information, it turns nasty on their part.

But there's enough blame to go around and I'm just getting started. How about our sheriff's department? When you can't get anything done by animal control, and everyone knows that clearly laws are blatantly being broken, so your next step, you would think, because rumor has it they are law enforcement officers, you make the monumental mistake of giving them a call.

Now what I'm about to say is not at all to be a sexist comment, but the woman, for the most part, that answers the phones: "What the hell is wrong with you"?

You seem to get pissed off at the very notion that someone would have the gall to call at all. Ladies and a few gentlemen, you're not working for the Pentagon in Washington; lighten up and shut you big rude mouths. This is Pahrump. We are paying you to do a job. Act professional, behave accordingly.

The commissioners, stop putting people and paying high salaries for people who seem to think they can be detached from the very people that keep all of you in jobs.

Get that stick that has been stuck up all of your rear ends out and understand all of you better start listening to the people that trusted you when you were smiling and kissing babies.

Here is what I mean must and has to happen:

That hellhole you call a shelter is small, out of touch and out of time. We've tripled in size and that miserable place still stands in testimony to not giving a damn about the creatures we are in charge of by God's design.

The D.A.'s office, I have a glimmer of hope for you to actively start taking far more seriously, cruelty to animals. Mr. Beckett, you have behaved like such a jerk. I certainly hope you start acting like somebody. Again, you're the D.A. for Pahrump, not Washington.

Last but not least; We the people have the biggest responsibility of them all.

We can make far better choices on who we allow to work for us. If they are not willing to listen and make changes for the good of the community and the creatures that share our county, then they have no business being in charge.

If a young woman can fight for animals and win, even though she's a wife and mom with the beliefs that if we allow people that are cruel to animals to continue, our quality of life tales a nosedive because most animal abusers don't make good neighbors or care about the community in general.

If a young boy cares about one cow, shame on us for not having his strength. He stood up alone against three gown ups that clearly had authority and he didn't back down.

It has to be the entire community that stands up and turns people in for abuse. Insist laws be put in place and enforced, do not allow the people you keep in a job to talk down to you.

Don't call, however, animal control or the sheriff's department just because you're upset with a neighbor. You will be just as guilty because you're being petty and wasting precious time.

By the way, thank Judge Brisebill for enforcing the law and doing her job. It was fair, and I'm hoping a clear detriment. Hopefully, Gelzainis will think before he tortures another animal.

SARAH C. RAVLIN

Mariah's S.P.C.A.

'Idol' negativity

I was a finalist in the Idol Competition at the Pahrump Fall Festival and I am saddened by all the negative talk. It was a great experience for the competitors and the crowd. The show was run very professionally.

We knew from an earlier Pahrump Valley Times article that people from outside Pahrump were eligible. I would love to see this competition take place again next year, but unfortunately this may not happen due to the negativity.

Please, if you enjoyed the show this year, let the town know that you'd like it to be part of next year's Fall Festival.

LONEY CHILDRESS

Rural means dirty?

The Oct. 25 issue of the Pahrump Valley Times has me puzzled with the story about Rick Flores on page A2.

I'm new to the area, but Mr. Flores' lot is only one of about 50 percent of the, as you call it, messy lots in Pahrump. Now, if you are elderly or handicapped, I do understand.

Driving around town, I see porches filled with debris, 10 to 12 working cars in certain people's yards. With burning being permitted and the dump close by, I do not understand the way some people keep their property.

If you go down Blagg, right on Harris Ranch Road, go down about a mile or so, that area over there to your left looks like Cambodia.

Maybe somewhere in the world, rural means permission to be dirty.

PAMELA ADAMS

See what he can do

I'm an avid supporter and follower of our high school athletic program. This football season has not gone as expected. We are not successful for one reason or another. We could pick apart many reasons why.

There is one glaring area that I want to address, however. It's the coaching.

I have nothing against Coach Hugg. I don't even know him, but his carryover onto the football field is not being accepted by the players.

We have gotten blown away in several games. The players are simply not responding to Hugg's system.

I can't understand why we have to go across our country to find a coach when we have a man right here in our backyard who has done a tremendous job with his team, "the Sharks."

His record is really outstanding; the kids love him and respond to him. He loves football and coaching. Why don't we give this individual a chance at the varsity level?

We have enjoyed success at the high school in recent years, let's keep going. Let's see what Leo Verzillo could do. I think you'll like what you get.

BILL BALLANTINE

The problem is the sheriff

To the people of Nye County: While DeMeo was sheriff, these are the experiences I have had:

1) Someone was sleeping on my patio. They made some noise and woke me. I called the Nye County Sheriff's Office and it took four hours for them to respond. I called them more than once that night.

2) My neighbor tried to sell drugs to my renter. I called the sheriff's office and they came right away. The deputy said he would tell drug enforcement and maybe they could set up a buy. I have been waiting over two years now for drug enforcement to show up. I haven't seen anyone yet.

3) The drug house next door had a frequent visitor that drove like a madman. I confronted that person and got nowhere. I called the sheriff's office. They sent out a deputy. I was told by the deputy it was my fault that that person drove like a madman and if I insisted on having him cited, he (the deputy) would tell that man (the hot rodder) how to sue me and win. What's with that?

4) Now the problem of dogs barking. The sheriff's office won't respond to dogs barking, but the noise ordnance plainly says disturbing the peace is dogs barking, loud noises, etc.

No wonder the crime rate is supposedly down. No response. So no crime. Ha Ha. (I have voted. Guess for whom.)

We all have our problems. Nye County's is the sheriff. I mean, we don't have a sheriff.

TOM MUDGE

Slamming

'Ms. Vicky'

My letter is in response to the letter to the editor from Vicky Parker of Oct. 27.

Ms. Vicky, do I have to correct you again? Wherein, you stated, "this is an overt disobedience of Section 8d of the Flag Code which prohibits the use of the flag on or as wearing apparel. Tsk. Tsk."

Well, Ms. Vicky, if you have read that section, it goes like this: "The flag (and the word flag is in italics and bold type) should never used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery." I was not wearing a "flag." A T-shirt with an emblazoned flag is quite different than wearing a flag.

It would appear that you have some sort of grudge against me or you are after my body, one of the two. I hope it's the first one and not the second. Let me assure you that as a conservative Christian, I have no quarrel with you, only your philosophy.

I can understand now why you are against the English language and the U.S. Code of the flag; it is because you do not understand nor do you know how to read. If you are a U.S. citizen, maybe you should go back to school and take a class in civics.

Let me add a quote from Michael Savage, "Liberalism is a mental disorder." And, a quote from Manuel H. Donchin: "Make sure your brain is engaged before you open your mouth."

MICHAEL A. MIRAGLIA

Nevada needs a change

We need an independent individual as our representative to Congress. That individual is Jill Derby.

Dean Heller says he supports the current congressional leadership. Is he going to support a leader like Dennis Hastert, who has covered up the actions of a child sex predator in Congress?

Does Heller support a "culture of corruption" where votes are for sale to the lobbyist with the most money? Remember Duke Cunningham, Bob Ney, Tom Delay, Jack Abramoff?

Heller tries to scare voters using Nancy Pelosi. Jill Derby has never committed to supporting Pelosi for Speaker and will vote against Democratic leaders when their positions don't serve Nevada.

If we want a strong independent voice representing Nevada in Congress, we need Jill Derby to represent us, not Dean Heller. He will only follow Bush's party line and keep the status quo.

Status quo is not what is needed for Nevada. We need a change. Vote for Jill Derby if you want change.

JACK WOOD

Ad a new low for service personnel

This letter is in response to a political advertisement which is in support of Tessa Hafen, which has been aired ad nauseum for the past few weeks on the local (Vegas) TV networks.

In it, Elliot Anderson (or Andersen) is denigrating Congressman John Porter, and, by inference, President Bush.

Mr. Anderson (military rank unknown) purports to be a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, inactive ready reserve.

He appears in his camo uniform but does not conform to proper military standards, in that he sports a small beard, which is contrary to proper uniformed military code of dress and conduct.

He is in direct violation of, at the least, a provision of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (USMJ), specifically Article 134.

This strictly prohibits any member of the military services to engage in politically motivated endorsements, whether for or against a particular candidate or political cause.

This includes, especially, any service member appearing in uniform as an active and willing participant in any political rally or advertisement, as well as any military member, whether active duty, National Guard or reserve, who, though in civilian attire, identifies him/herself as a member of any of the above classifications.

It is, of course, possible that Mr. Anderson is just a "ham" actor.

I caution all those who would make a voting choice based on this illegal, misleading ad, and others of its ilk, which deem to portray military members for or against a candidate or politically motivated causes, to choose wisely, not emotionally, when you cast your ballot. It may be true that this ad is not paid for directly by Ms. Hafen, but it is nonetheless presented on her behalf.

As a long-ago honorably decorated U.S. Air Force retiree, I am appalled and disappointed that a military person (if he really is) would consciously stoop to such a low level of demeanor.

I invite all dedicated military personnel to make your family, friends and neighbors aware of this Marine's obvious violation of the oath which he swore to uphold, and his violation of trust, duty and honor to his fellow service members.

JOHN J. DE MARCO

Protect animal rights

It's time to set things straight. A New Leash on Life Pet Adoptions is being unjustly persecuted.

To clarify our mission: To take unwanted animals from the Nye County Animal Shelter before euthanasia, spay or neuter them, vaccinate them and find qualified, loving homes for them.

Our desire is to simply save lives.

We receive no funding from the county for this support service. We have been there for the animals of this community. We have also provided free spay and neuters to many privately owned pets.

A New Leash on Life has a proven success history. In 2005, 660 dogs and 220 cats found new homes due to our efforts. Our facility is clean and our animals are lovingly cared for and available to the public.

Taxpayer dollars are used for euthanasia. Is this right?

A New Leash on Life is being persecuted by Nye County Animal Control. They are trying to force us out of existence. We are legally on property and functioning within legal guidelines.

Their position is that we are in a residential area.

All rescues and sanctuaries in this county are in residential areas. We are located very rurally, almost at BLM - they are being pressured to force the removal of our animals by one residence, Lilly and Joe Burns, who are claiming our dogs bark, when in actuality, they have stated we must "go" because we degrade their property value as they are selling.

They are trying to damage our good reputation and put pressure onto county officials to find anything to force us off our property with trumped-up charges.

If we have to "go" because we are in a residential "open use" zone, so should all other rescues or sanctuaries.

To state we are ruining their lives (an exaggeration) is simply a ruse. We are legal on this property and but are being forced by animal control to no longer take animals and being threatened with confiscation of our animals.

For review: We are legal with animal numbers; our animals are well cared for and open for public viewing.

The barking issue is being used as a ruse. This is unjust and is forcing the deaths of many animals without the chance they deserve for a home.

Without A New Leash on Life being able to rescue them, many will die. Do you think this is right?

Is this what you want for our animals, our towns' reputation?

We only want the unwanted animals and to care for them. Help us. Call Nye County Animal Control, Brent Jones and Debbie Pemberton, and voice your disgust at 751-6315.

Stop this travesty.

A New Leash on Life will sponsor a public awareness meeting with information to follow.

VIE KELLER