The Pahrump Valley Community Action Team (PVCAT) started on the prowl July 18 to identify area deficiencies that can be fixed with the proper attention and action.

There were 35 residents in attendance at the meeting who gave their ideas of things that need attention. The PVCAT began several years ago, but dissolved due to departures of members two years ago.

Patricia Cox, president, is determined to get the group back in action.

Cox emphasized that those who join and work with a team must realize that "this is not a one-person show. It takes teamwork." She advised that an 80 percent consensus must be achieved before an item or action can be initiated or taken.

The meeting began with a charge as attendees listed many areas that they thought needed desperate help. Some of those included: teen/family center, safety awareness education, weed control, vocational/technical school, equestrian/perimeter trail, an all-purpose center, dog park, government accountability, highway beautification, business district, water conservation, a separate college, public transportation, public relations about Pahrump and a motor cross/drag racing track.

These topics were ranked by vote, and the area that came out on top was the vocational/technical/college group.

Number two was the public relations group that will work on putting out good information about Pahrump. Number three was beautification, and number four was safety awareness, which includes traffic safety issues.

Topics that were not selected at this time will be addressed at a later date.

Deb Hays, member of the vocational/technical/college group, said, "It will be quite a challenge, but with hard work and dedication, we can make it happen."

Mary Balloqui, beautification team leader, said, "The main eyesores along the main roads are the old and hand-painted signs. We are going to study the sign ordinance and find out who should enforce the laws, and exactly what type of signs are acceptable.

"Once knowledgeable about what signs are permitted, we will contact the owners of non-acceptable signs and give them the option of removing them or having our group do so."

She added, "Our group will take ownership for monitoring assigned roads and report to the group if any new signs are erected and investigate if the necessary sign permits have been acquired. Also, signs you see as you approach Pahrump from the north that promote clubs, churches, and businesses do not create a professional image. So we are going to investigate the possibility of redoing them."

Members of other groups stated that a wait-and-see attitude is best for now and that it wouldn't be a good idea to put the "cart before the horse." Of course others agreed that "if you put your mind and effort into it, you can make anything happen." So there was quite a variety of opinions and attitudes with regard to making PVCAT work.

If you wish more information or would like to join PVCAT, contact Paula Glidden at 775-209-4412.