MARIE WUJEK MORE COLUMNS Advertisement

The Pahrump rumor mill is again in full operation and approaching double shifts. Tele-a-phone, tele-a-graph, tele-a-neighbor seems to be the norm in our town. Falsehoods and misinformation seem to grow at an alarming rate with the passing of the story or rumor to the next party willing to listen.

Not that there isn't a boatload of issues to talk about. Rumor, innuendo, gossip, accusations, fabrications, and downright lies are not just hurtful, but can damage an individual's character and integrity, as well as destroy careers and families. Each time a story is told the storyteller has to add to or embellish upon it. Stick to the facts, not the scuttlebutt that flows so freely.

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Fact: Nye County District Attorney, Bob Beckett was arrested on DUI charges following an auto accident near Baker, Calif., on June 15. Earlier that same day he had a single vehicle accident totaling his county-issued Ford Expedition around Shoshone, Calif.

Rumor: Beckett went off the deep end and was misusing prescription medication and alcohol because of one or all of the rumors passed on to me that I have listed below:

He filed to run for the District 5 Judge position when Judge Davis announced his retirement. Upon hearing that Beckett had filed, Davis decided to run again to keep Beckett from winning.

His longstanding marriage was on the rocks and he had moved out of his Pahrump home leaving his wife and family.

Current term limit legislation, if passed, would prevent him from seeking another term as D.A. in Nye County and he would be out of a job in 2010.

Lack of communication between the D.A.'s office and the Nye County Sheriff's Office was creating ill will between the departments, hampering joint cooperation and communication causing delay of action in certain cases.

This columnist doesn't feel Bob went off the deep end. I think he is a man accustomed to living in a high pressure bubble as far as his professional life. As for his family life, admiration and love for his wife and daughters are a top priority. From what I understand Bob always tried to attend sports and other activities, to be there for his kids.

Bob has issued a public apology for his poor judgment that day, and will have his day in court to answer for his DUI charge and any other charges arising from these two incidents. As far as any other explanations or comments, that is his cross to bear.

I judge driving under the influence harshly. I have witnessed the loss of life and total devastation drunk drivers can cause. It is for the court to decide punishment for the charges filed against him -- innocent until proven guilty as with any other American. I am sure Bob has learned his lesson; he is in an occupation in which he knows, probably better than most of us, the repercussions, destruction and horrific results of drinking and driving.

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Harley, Harley, Harley, what were you thinking? Moving into a makeshift residence to run for the District 3 County Commission seat against incumbent Gary Hollis seems a bit extreme to me. Reminds me of the Atkinson Gates debacle, where primary residency became a huge issue.

Add to this equation the District 1 County Commission seat, in which you and your family reside, will be on the ballot this year without an incumbent on the ticket. Why didn't you put your name in the hat for that seat? That way if you were to win and Gary was to win, you could be his worst nightmare on a continual basis.

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The Nevada Attorney General recently filed four charges against Peter Liakopoulos, two felonies and two misdemeanors. He won't be rearrested as he was originally arrested on a probable cause warrant by Nye County sheriff's deputies in December.

The first felony is for asking or receiving a bribe by an executive or administrative officer. This charge is based on allegations that he asked Town Board member Laurayne Murray to vote to appoint and persuade other members to appoint Jennie Liakopoulos as curator for the Pahrump Veterans Memorial. In return, he would vote for the sales tax increase in Nye County.

The second felony count was for the same offense in which he allegedly conveyed that message to Murray through former Pahrump Town Manager Dave Richards.

The two gross misdemeanors were filed for offering a reward for an appointment and for grafting by a public officer.

Again, Peter is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, the great American way. Give Peter his day in court. He believes the system works and we will check with him again after the facts, findings and conclusion of these charges are revealed, to see if he still believes in the system.

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In closing, the election season is in full swing. A word to those running for office. Tell me what you plan to do if you are elected. Don't waste my time pointing out the past failings of an incumbent or digging up garbage, rumor and innuendo on an opponent. I want to know what your plan is - how you are going to improve Nye County operations and contribute positively to make this a better place to live.

Remember; don't look over your neighbor's fence unless your own backyard is clean. If you don't have enough of your own business to mind, volunteer at a local charity. Do something constructive instead of destructive.

Bless our troops and have a safe and happy Fourth of July.