My name is William A. Kohbarger and I have been your town manager for just over seven months. I was asked to write a column to give you, the citizens of Pahrump, insight into what is going on in your local government.

First, I would like to say thanks for the opportunity to serve the town and to work in an area with so much natural beauty and endless opportunities.

Some of those include a new airport (located in southwest Pahrump just off of Gamebird near the California border), the PARC project (Pahrump Arts and Recreational Complex), a 427-acre complex consisting of baseball/softball diamonds, numerous soccer fields, a small western town, water park, equestrian arena and more, renewable energy capabilities (enough sun to lower everyone's energy bill) and a location close enough to Las Vegas to enjoy the amenities but far enough away to benefit from the wide-open spaces and generous lots of Pahrump.

Second, I want to say I fully understand the strong conviction of self-protection afforded to us by the Second Amendment. It was only about safety and safety only.

I did not want to trample on anyone's rights or take away anyone's rights. The federal government does enough of that for all of us. I strongly believe that every citizen in America should have the right to bear arms and to protect the ones they love. Enough said.

However, thanks to all those citizens (21 of them) who took the time to contact me either via the telephone, in person or via e-mail to express their opinions and to let me talk about mine. Twenty of those 21 spoke very well and represented themselves in a fashion that would make all proud.

The other one ... well, let's just say that individual needs to expand his vocabulary to more than just those words that aren't on the list of "Seven Words You Can Never Say On TV." (Thanks, George Carlin)

This brings me to my next position.

If you don't like what is going on, get more involved. We have numerous advisory boards and events that need volunteers. Sorry, no pay. But if you think there is a problem, come in and let's talk. As one of my past school teachers told me, if you don't like what is going on, think of at least two ways to make it better and bring those ideas forward in a positive and constructive manner.

I am not perfect and I will never claim to be perfect. Therefore, if you have an idea or thought about an issue or a way something is happening in Pahrump, come in and let's discuss it. My door is always open to those citizens who would like to discuss issues facing Pahrump. If you cannot personally come to the office, email me at bkohbarger@pahrumpnv.org.

Finally, I will leave you with two of my favorite quotes; the first one from an ancient Chinese philosopher, "Only that which is still in itself can still the seekers of stillness," and the second from an unknown writer, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"

Thanks and have a great day.