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Pahrump has a new manager. His name is Bill Kohbarger.

Welcome to Pahrump, Bill, I look forward to meeting you.

Some of the problems you appear to have faced in Carlin will exist in Pahrump as well. All I can suggest is you allow time to get to know the town and her residents. Pahrump is unique; she experienced a 10-year or more growth spurt that brought people from all over the map.

Folks came here for various reasons; they are from all walks of life. Many retired in Pahrump looking for a slower pace, lower cost of living, clear skies and close proximity to the Las Vegas nightlife and entertainment scene.

Others moved here from Las Vegas to raise their families in a safer and less populated and congested area. Pahrump offers less crowding in the school system, as well as better opportunity for children in sports and other related activities.

You also have the generational Pahrumpians, the families, their children and grandchildren that built and settled this town.

Whatever the reason, we are here and here to stay. Being a city manager for Carlin, you fully understand that you can please some of the people some of the time, but you will never please all of the people all of the time.

Just realize up front the door you are walking through. Don't be judgmental, be understanding. Take each problem and issue to its core, then look for a solution; in other words, remove the B.S. and deal with the problem in its simplest form.

Pahrump folks are passionate about their rights, privacy, politics and property.

They don't like being told what to do or how to do it. Many just want to be left alone. When they purchased their property, not many rules and ordinances existed; they had carte blanche to do as they wanted with their property.

Then development happened, master plans happened and subdivisions rose out of the desert landscape. Growth and development opened the town up to "if you build it they will come," and come they did.

New subdivisions usually have covenants, conditions and restrictions. New zoning laws and ordinances have been established creating new ground rules. At times you will find yourself caught between the Hatfields and McCoys so to speak.

The biggest problem here is the increase in population without much increase in needed services and amenities. This will be a problem you'll have to deal with on a continual basis.

I have a problem with people who move to Pahrump and want to make it the same as the town or city they lived in before. They should research fully what Pahrump has to offer, be happy with what they buy into, and leave well enough alone.

If the place they moved from was so great, why did they leave?

Another issue you will face on a daily basis is the lack of knowledge within the community as to who is responsible for what between the town of Pahrump and Nye County. A simple guide as to who to call on what issue or problem will be needed.

Once you get settled, I encourage you to submit a community viewpoint offered through the Pahrump Valley Times. This is an excellent way to explain what the town and staff provide for Pahrump. A community viewpoint is a good tool to get people involved and informed.

Again, welcome to Pahrump. Keep your humble jar handy, you will need it. My staff and I look forward to working with you and doing what we can to improve our fine community.

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Summer is here. The intensity of the Southern Nevada sun as well as the heat can not only make you miserable, it can kill you.

Melanoma and skin cancer diagnoses are on the increase in Nevada, the statistics are overwhelming. Please limit your time in the direct sunlight, be sure to lather on the sun screen and reapply if you take a dip in the pool, schedule outdoor activities prior to the peak temperature of the day and drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.

If you have children or teenagers, it is up to you to teach them about the dangers of the heat and direct sun exposure.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

For your outdoor family members, be sure to provide adequate shade and shelter from the sun and make sure they have fresh water at all times.

Never leave your children or pets in the car. Within minutes the interior of a car will become hotter than the outside temperature. Be safe, be smart and take extra precautions to protect those you love.

For information on melanoma and skin cancer awareness, please visit www.skincheck.org or www.amandasmessage.com.

You're never too old to learn about Melanoma, but you're always too young to die from it.