Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Open Letter #6

LETTER TO THE EDITOR – OPEN LETTER #6 TO THE COMMUNITY FROM A TOWN BOARD MEMBER
Here is the 2nd Open Letter of 2012 with Open Letter #6.  As stated in previous Open Letters, the information below is provided because there are many in the community who have no information, some information, or erroneous information about several issues. 
I will continue to select two or more topics once or twice each month merely to enlighten or inform.  I will also accept topics from you for future “Open Letters.”  Feel free to contact me at twaters@pahrumpnv.org or 775-764-0949.  You can also read my Blog at
http://tomwatersthoughts.blogspot.com/
As a DISCLAIMER, please understand that I speak ONLY for myself as a Town Board member and will provide accurate information as I see it through my research.  Please check my facts and feel free to provide corrected data if you believe I am in error.  You are also free to ask other Town Board members or members of the community if they agree with me or have a different view point.  All information is reviewed by several entities to ensure there are no NRS violations. 
1. The LeTip International Launches New Chapter in Pahrump Valley -
This is something new for Pahrump where businesses can work together for the good of our entire community.  LeTip International, Inc. is a company that set the standard for business networking organizations.  The Chapter meets every Tuesday at 7:00 AM at the Maverick Saloon on Mesquite. 
The Chapter provides a structured, productive program to teach members the networking skills necessary to grow each other’s business by providing qualified business referrals.  The program emphasizes building relationships, creating alliances and developing public speaking skills, all of which empower members and help create an environment of business success.  This Win/Win strategy has generated revenues for thousands of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent sales people throughout the United States and Canada. 
LeTip International is the world’s largest, privately owned, professional business leads organization.  Since 1978, LeTip programs have helped over 50,000 members, throughout the United States and Canada, build business success through personal referrals.  They have set the standard in the word-of-mouth referral industry.  Members are known for their professionalism, dedication, and loyalty to one another.  They are also known to use TV, radio, and the printed media to carry their messages. 
Those interested in attending a meeting are welcome.  For more information about the local Chapter or how to become a member, please call Mike Reynolds, Chapter Vice President, at 702-306-8720.  For more information about LeTip, please visit www.letip.com
As I attend the many Chamber of Commerce “Ribbon Cutting” ceremonies for new businesses operating in Pahrump, I see many of the members of LeTip in attendance supporting each other.  This is obviously a Win/Win situation for jobs, businesses, and the Town of Pahrump. 

2. Lawsuits Against the Town of Pahrump - Costs -
While I am a firm believer in standing up for your rights and fully exercising them when necessary, please understand that nothing is FREE.  We understand that Freedom is NOT free and neither are Lawsuits. 
Just to keep our citizens informed on a very public lawsuit by Mr. Anthony Greco against the Town of Pahrump, the costs to the taxpayers (as of February 17, 2012) is $2,330.00.  This total does not cover the deductible that the Town will be receiving from the Insurance Company.  The cost of that deductible will be $2,000.00.  However, the Town will also have to pay for the attorneys to go to Court once a date has been set.  That cost (travel time, time in court, etc..) is estimated at $1,500 to $3,500 more. 

We merely want the public informed that whenever we spend taxpayer dollars on lawsuits or even on perceived Open Meeting Law (OML) violations, it takes dollars away from Quality of Life issues for our Town. 


3. Education in Nye County  -
I have a friend in Nye County who happens to be the Nye County Superintendent of Schools.  His background is very similar to mine in that we both retired from the military as Lieutenant Colonels and both worked hard to receive our Doctorate of Education Degrees because we believe in an educated society. 
During the Community Assessment presentation for Nye County and Pahrump, we heard many negative comments about the education in Nye County.  We all want to ensure that you (as residents) have the current information that there has been much improvement from earlier reports that continue to dominate the discussion.  I want to thank Dr. Roberts for his email to the Community Assessment Team that clarifies the dropout rate at Pahrump Valley High School. 

According to the Team Leader, “One of the challenges with this process is that we hear comments from people who are not as well informed as they might be.  The Community Assessment Team did hear from people who expressed concern about the high dropout rate and that is how it ended up as a point of concern under the Education Theme.  However, those individuals may have been considering old information. 

Upon reviewing the Nevada Department of Education Annual Accountability Report for 2010-11, I note that over the past five years there has been significant improvement in the dropout rate from as high as 1.5 in 2007-8 to the current 0.1 in 2010-11.  Also, the Graduation Rate has risen from a low of 60.0% to the current 92.8%.  This positive change should be cause for celebration by the community.” 

The Community Assessment Team stated that they are sorry for giving the wrong impression of the excellent work that is being accomplished at Pahrump Valley High School.  We should all take this latest information to brighten our image of our community.  There are many good things happening in Pahrump that we should emphasize while working together to repair the problems. 

4. The Documents of Freedom  -
For those who read my previous “Open Letters” you understand just how important the Documents of Freedom really are to our country and to me.  Although I read a lot and felt I understood our government, it wasn’t until I listened to Mr. Phillip Hider that my eyes were opened to the Documents of Freedom.  I have included some information from Mr. Hider but I am not the only person that is willing to spread what we continue to learn from this dedicated patriot who loves America as much as we do.  I have read other articles entitled “Founding Defenders” written by Mr. Phil Hider, Mr. Brian Shoemake, and Mr. Bill Carns.  It is my hope that all of you are reading their articles as well.  Please share this information with family, friends, and especially our younger generation.  Help them understand the importance of these documents and how these documents helped to create and sustain the best country on earth. 
Please remember that ignorance is gone once our younger generation know and accept the education that is provided.  I wish for each of you the knowledge and education you desire.  Know that it is sheer stupidity to refuse to be educated and we are not a stupid people.  The Documents of Freedom are the educational tools we need to know our Rights and Freedoms.  As I continue to state, you hear many people loudly state, “I know my Rights!”  But do they?  Do you? 

5. The Political Signs of the Season  -
That time of the year is here again where you will see a lot of Political Signs all over the landscape.  We, as Americans, have a powerful tool called the VOTE.  There is no need to destroy a sign merely because you don’t agree with a person running for an office.  Merely vote for the candidate of your choice.  Also, please know that destruction of a Political Sign is a violation of Nevada Law and could be costly in addition to having a negative impact on your future. 
The Nevada Law Statute we have is under malicious mischief-injury to property.  NRS 206.310.  Punishment is based on the value of the property as set out in NRS 193.155.  Less than $25 is a fine of not more than $500, $25-$249 is a misdemeanor, $250-$4,999 is a gross misdemeanor and above $5000 is a felony.  If there were multiple instances the District Attorney would try to aggregate them to determine the value. 
Remember to use your VOTE and leave the signs alone. 
Lastly, please know that it is unlawful to place political signs on state, county, or town property or on private property without written permission of the owner. 

Dr. Tom Waters
Pahrump Town Board
twaters@pahrumpnv.org
775-764-0949