Be considerate -- even off road

This letter is in regards to the widespread use of off-road vehicles on the city and county roads of Nye County.

I really appreciate the fact that law enforcement is somewhat lax and if they do not come right out and condone this activity, they at least look the other way as long as people don't get too stupid while riding their quads and dirt bikes on the street.

I have lived in many places, in several states where off- road vehicle users are subjected to outright hostility by law enforcement should they even dare to even ride along side or cross the roads.

But, I have noticed that some people seem to think that drinking and driving is OK, as long as they are on a quad or other utility vehicle. They also seem to forget what side of the road to drive on and as the machines are seldom equipped with signal devices, don't bother to signal their intentions while in traffic, let alone wear safety gear of any kind.

Children that should not be operating these machines on our streets are out in force. The potential for severe injury or death should off-road and on-road vehicles ever collide is huge.

As a former firefighter I have seen nearly everything that can take place when this happens.

Here in Manhattan, nearly everyone in town has quads or other utility vehicles that we use for everyday chores and recreation that put us on the streets occasionally.

When holidays roll around or special events happen, things get quite congested around here with the riders from out of town and lots of drinking takes place which doesn't help the situation at all.

I urge our county's residents to ride their equipment with consideration to motor vehicles they share the road with, don't drink and drive, wear their safety equipment and respect the rights of property owners.

Also bear in mind that most working people in this end of the county work for 24 hour, seven day a week companies. We are not necessarily off on weekends, nights and holidays and we need our rest to work safely at our professions.

Thank you,

TIM JOHNSON

Wish Beckett well but no support

I no longer can stand by and not voice my opinion regarding our district attorney's action and his arrest for driving while under the influence.

Mister D.A., you are the public's last hope, sworn to uphold our county, state and federal laws.

I'm surprised there hasn't been a flood of indignation regarding Mr. Beckett's actions while driving under the influence. I'm further amazed his judicial peers haven't commented on his problem. I suppose they are waiting for his California court appearance. Innocent until proven guilty.

I just hope, Mr. Beckett, you can really see the seriousness of your actions and how much we law-abiding citizens depend on you. You and the sheriff's department are the hope of law-abiding citizens in our county.

You have sworn an oath and we count on you for our protection from such criminal acts. I wonder, have there been other times you have driven under the influence and not been caught?

We need good and honest people in our judicial system, people that not only uphold the law but live it too.

I do realize all of us have human frailties, but those cannot interfere with the sworn duties entrusted to our public officials.

In the past, I have supported you in the voting booth. I no longer feel that I can vote for you either as a district attorney and certainly not a judgeship.

I do hope the best for you and I'm glad you have friends that support you and that help you overcome your problems.

Nevertheless, I expect you to be honest with the public, making no excuses, just show us you have cleaned the slate.

JERRY G. EYRE

On a positive note

On a recent Sunday Night, while driving home from work, I suffered a violent, offset head-on vehicle collision. My SUV was totally demolished and immediately caught fire. Conscious, but stunned and physically unable to move, I feared the worst. A young man soon appeared at my crushed driver's door and told me in no uncertain terms that I had to get out. I somehow remembered to unlock the doors, and this young man entered through the passenger side. Ignoring the shattered glass and toxic black smoke, he managed to get me out over the center console and safely away from the burning vehicle.

At the time of the collision, my husband was at home without transportation. Two young girls, who had stopped at the accident scene, drove to my home and brought my husband to me. This, as you can imagine, was of great comfort to both of us.

None of these people knew me, and could easily have gone on their way or simply not wanted to get involved. We also may too easily take for granted the services provided by our Sheriff's Deputies and Fire and Rescue personnel, simply because "it's their job". All who responded to this emergency showed genuine caring in addition to professional competence. I would like to remind everyone that even in these somewhat negative and trying times, with plentiful accounts of young people gone astray, our little town is blessed with many good, caring people of all ages.

To all who helped me prevail through this nightmarish experience, my deepest and most heartfelt thanks. Without people who cared enough to get involved, I would not be here to write this letter.

SUSAN FRENCH

Not a clue

Do you have any idea of who you are voting for?

It has recently come to my attention that an individual that took an oath of office to represent the people and Nye County, had two accidents on Father's Day.

In the first accident near Shoshone, Calif., I have been unable to find out if an accident report was filed. If not, then this person removed evidence and took it across state lines to avoid prosecution.

Do you know who is going to pay for that vehicle, which was being used for personal, not official, business purposes?

Then the second accident near Baker, Calif., he was involved where he was charged with a DUI.

After about a week, he released a statement to the public requesting forgiveness.

How many people are in jail or prison because of his actions against them for doing the same thing? Double standard?

When I was being raised this was called being a hypocrite. Do you, so-called friends, want a hypocrite as a district judge?

I met Bob Beckett only after a county commissioner got me access. I have been trying to get access to talk to him since April 20, 2007. He has refused to see or talk to me. Remember the oath he took when he accepted the office.

It is quite evident we are upset because it involves the death of my oldest son. Not important to him -- he has more important business to take care of defending himself in court in Calif., for a DUI.

If you vote for a hypocrite, so-called friend, what does this make you?

CHARLES ALKIRE