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To the residents of Pahrump

Dear residents of Pahrump:

I must regretfully inform you that because of my disassociation with Advanced Medical Center, I have suspended my provision of gastroenterology services to your community.

All of the records relating to any one of you who came to see me for care, are in the possession of AMC.

If you have questions or need me for any reason, I may be reached at my Las Vegas office, 702-877-6732.

Sincerely,

J. JULIAN LOPEZ, MD

Don't put aside Bavarian idea

The idea of the Old West or a pioneer "farm spirit" is ever popular, especially with European tourists who come to Death Valley and then on to Pahrump.

Petting zoos, demonstration crops of cotton, farm machinery, etc., all appeal to a broad range of people and families.

Leavenworth, Wash., has adopted a Bavarian theme and through the use of false fronts has become a destination resort with no government funding -- just citizen cooperation.

I would not put this idea away without serious consideration.

MICHELE MORGAN

Astoria, Ore.

(Pahrump land owner)

Response to Wasson letter

This is in response to the negative letter from Tim Wasson regarding the Baker to Vegas Run.

Did you know that according to race history that Pahrump is a "pivotal part of the Challenge Cup/Baker to Vegas relay story?"

Did you know that retired LAPD Officer Larry Moore, a "cornerstone of the race" died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in the Las Vegas area? His vision of fitness and teamwork continue today.

Did you know that according to race history it is the largest event of its kind in the world?

It is an honor to have this race come through Pahrump. Each year this race is a wonderful way to show our support for law enforcement heroes and fallen officers everywhere.

If you would like to read more, just go to www.bakervegas.com/racedescription.php.

Thank you,

LETA F. WEIR

Increase is outrageous

I moved to Pahrump in April 2006. In less than two years, my sewer bill has almost doubled.

I do not feel that I am getting value for money with the new charge. I am over 74 years old and am the only occupant at this address. I do not feel that I should pay the same amount as a family of five, six or more.

They are the ones who are generating the most usage of your service, not me.

I realize that charges must increase occasionally, but to double the charge, all at once, is not right.

Can you tell me what extra service I will be receiving for this outrageous increase?

Thank you very much,

EMORY C. COLLIER

Striking a chord

The op-ed piece by Marie Wujek "It is time for a real change," (PVT 4/25) struck a very responsive chord in me. Maybe these troublesome years of the B-C regime have taught us something about faith, hope and demagoguery.

It has been said that "a people get the government they deserve." The validity of that statement may be open to debate, but in truth, those who are comfortable in their circumstances tend to not complain overmuch, and far too many politicians use our love of the status quo to their advantage.

It's a case of: "If I'm getting by, then things can't be too bad."

Or more commonly: "Don't rock the boat."

Perhaps a clearer way of looking at it is that most working Americans are focused on earning a living and keeping up with their continuing obligations. This leaves far less time to critically consider what our national leaders are up to.

I'm reading a book entitled "Dissent," by Col. (Ret.) Ann Wright and Susan Dixon with a foreword by Daniel Elsberg (Koa Books, distributed by SCB Distributors).

It's a thin volume that chronicles the deception regarding Iraq, perpetrated on the U.S. and U.K. by George Bush and Tony Blair, the former British prime minister.

All the misinformation and half truths aside, Saddam Hussein was indeed a cruel master over the people of Iraq, as were his two sons.

But in spite of the many atrocities they committed, it has never been the proper role for the United States to invade a sovereign nation based on altruism or because our president believed a job was left unfinished. And at what cost?

One can go on adnauseam, citing examples of bad policy, incompetence and outright abuse of power on the part of our current rulers.

The question is, will the next administration be effective in restoring our country's economic strength, repairing a failed educational system, resolving issues of health, and dealing with so many other matters of national importance?

This all remains to be seen.

A grave error, one that I must constantly guard against, is that of becoming cynical; throwing up my hands and letting the chips fall where they may.

I know in my heart that doing so will render me as nothing more than flotsam on the tide of self-interest; unconcerned and ineffectual.

I prefer instead, to listen, to read and to try my best, to think critically, and to vote.

Also, I figure it can't hurt to send up and earnest prayer now and again.

RALPH BAZAN

Belinda doesn't have a clue

Belinda can't tell the difference between Hollis Harris and Commissioner Gary Hollis. Different last names, and no relationship, as she stated in her letter to the editor on April 25.

She has no clue what impact the desert tortoise habitat conservation plan as previously drafted would do. It would create a moratorium on small and large development.

That's fine for her; apparently she doesn't want development. Strange, though, she didn't have a problem with the "White Castle nudie bar" (on Highway 160 and Homestead) as quoted in a Review-Journal article dated July 7, 2004.

Belinda, how do you think roads, electricity, telephone, jobs, banks, Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware, Smith's Albertson's, the Pahrump Nugget, the winery, Saddle West, Mountain View Casino and many others, now including Home Depot, happened?

If you use these facilities, you can thank development.

Furthermore, I'm tired of people blaming the Harris family, Hafen family and other developers in Pahrump for everything that happens.

If you took the time to research these people, you would find out that these are the very people who helped put Pahrump on the map. These are the people you can thank for the highway you drive twice a day on your commute to Las Vegas.

These are the people who helped bring electric and telephone to the area.

Because of these people and their developments, we have nice communities to live in with sewer and water. This growth brought high-speed Internet to us.

Just think of all the wonderful conveniences that have improved our lives all because these men decided to invest in Pahrump.

So, Belinda, I guess you could say growth and development made Pahrump a desirable place to live, otherwise, why would you have moved here?

DEBORAH WALSH

Thank you for returning Bible

I am writing to thank the good samaritan and the sheriff who returned my lost Bible.

What a blessing you have been to me.

My Bible was lost along Mesquite, after I neglectfully left it laying on the roof of my car while buckling my infant daughter into her car seat.

Unfortunately, I forgot about the Bible being on my roof, and drove to Bible study.

My husband and I did search along the route I drove, but were unable to find it.

After four days of searching, we didn't think it would be found.

Fortunately, it was found and returned.

Thank you for your kindness and hard work in returning His word to me.

REBECCA JACKSON