After many conversations about the topic of Incorporation of the Town of Pahrump with so many of you, I decided to consolidate my response so you can read it over, think about it, and share it with your friends and acquaintances. I hope you will read this message whether you are “for” or “against” Incorporation. It does not matter because, as I listen to all of you, everyone has an opinion. J
The previous Town Board left us the groundwork to make a decision about Incorporation and, since you elected us, we must accomplish the work you elected us to do.
The census numbers were recently released and, as I stated during my campaign and continue to say, many people did not have a chance to vote “yea” or “nay” for Incorporation. If you voted “yea” or “nay” for Incorporation and have, or have not, changed your opinion, that is okay. However, since you last voted for Incorporation in the year 2000 when our population was 24,631, our Town population has increased by 48 percent (11,810) to our current population of 36,441. Please note that total voter turnout in Pahrump for the 2010 General Election was only 12,265. I have repeatedly asked that the question of Incorporation be placed on the ballot for November 2012 so everyone can inform the current Town Board whether the Town Board should proceed with the prospect of Incorporating the Town of Pahrump or terminating the idea altogether. I believe everyone is entitled to a “voice” and we should not limit the “voice” only to those residents who were here prior to the year 2000.
We do have an Incorporation Advisory Board (IAB) to advise the Town Board on issues of Incorporation pro and con. For this, they have done an outstanding job and we need to listen to these knowledgeable volunteers within our community. I ask that you attend their meetings as well so they know your views on Incorporation.
For those of you AGAINST Incorporation, please continue to state the reasons using factual data. However, those of you FOR Incorporation, you need to follow the guidance of our District Attorney if you want to get the issue of incorporation ON the ballot in 2012. According to the District Attorney and the County Clerk, you will need to get 1840 signatures of residents stating that they are in favor of the referendum of Incorporation. This figure (1840) is based on 15% of the Total Voter Turnout in the last General Election. Getting signatures is NOT the responsibility of members of the Town Board or the Incorporation Advisory Board. It would be the responsibility of a “grass-roots” organization. If you are part of that silent majority (or silent minority) that is in favor of Incorporation and would like to lead or be a part of that “grass-roots” organization, please contact Mrs. Endersby (IAB Liaison) or attend an IAB meeting and let them know what you want to do. You can also review previous copies of the Incorporation Advisory Studies at the Town Webpage.
Be willing to “stand-up” for what you believe. Your Town Board will support you “pro” or “con” and, as much as we appreciate the e-mails stating your position, this is your opportunity to “step up to the plate” and involve the entire community.
Many of you want to know if I am ‘for’ or ‘against’ Incorporation of the Town of Pahrump. The clearest answer I can give is:
1) If it is approved to be on the ballot in 2012, I will have a definite answer before November 2012. I continue to ‘research’ this issue.
2) If it is NOT on the ballot in 2012, my declaration really won’t make any difference.
Thanks for listening.
Dr. Tom Waters
Pahrump Town Board
Pahrump Town Board
