Open Letter #11

OPEN LETTER #11 TO THE COMMUNITY FROM A TOWN BOARD MEMBER

Here is the Open Letter #11.  Feel free to contact me at twaters@pahrumpnv.org or 775-764-0949. 

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.  All information is reviewed by several entities to ensure there are no NRS violations. 

The Question – An Elected Town Board or an Appointed Advisory Board -
Between now and November 2012, you will hear a lot on BOTH sides of this argument.  In the end, I believe we will retain the Elected Town Board by a LARGE margin because, even if you disagree with select Town Board members, you don’t throw out the Baby with the Bath Water.  Or, as we would say in this Western Town, “Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.”  If you didn’t have an elected Town Board, ask yourself, “Am I satisfied with everything the Board of County Commissioners is doing for the county?”  If your answer is no, I ask, “Why would you want them to have complete control of your Town’s assets and funding?”  And, if you answered yes, the question remains, “Why would you want them to have complete control of your Town’s assets and funding?  BOTTOM LINE: Retain control of your Local Government by electing your Local Government in the form of your Town Board. 

In 1984, the citizens of Pahrump decided that they wanted their own elected officials handling the affairs of the Town as the Local Government.  In 1984, the population was much smaller than it is today.  Since 1984, the population has increased over 60% and we expect the population of Pahrump to continue to increase.  Remember that the Town of Pahrump has over 37,000 residents and, as a population center, is over 80% of Nye County.  For that basic reason, we (as a Town) have earned the right to have our own elected officials as our Local Government instead of as an Advisory Board appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to serve “at the pleasure” of the county commissioners. 

In an article in the Mirror (August 9, 2012) by Caitlyn May (Laws force advisory board to dissolve) the matter is being handled by the county commissioners.  The article begins with, “The Manhattan Advisory Board is no more ….”  The article concludes with, “Manhattan, operating under an advisory board status, is not responsible for writing its own ordinances or its overall finances.  Those responsibilities, because of the town’s advisory board status, fall to Nye County.  Earlier this year, the commission agreed to place on the general election ballot, a question as to whether or not the Pahrump Town Board should be dissolved.  In the event that the voters decide to do away with the elected town board form of government for Pahrump, the town would revert to an advisory board status, similar to Manhattan.” 

Please know that the Town Board has responsibility ONLY for the Cemetery, the Parks, the Swimming Pool, and the Fire Department.  This also includes Town property.  We also maintain budgetary and financial controls to maintain these areas.  All other areas of the Town are the responsibility of the Board of County Commissioners.  I have worked with each of the Commissioners and will not speak “ill” of any of them.  

I appreciate what they do.  They do what they need to do for the entire county of Nye of which we are proud to be a part.  However, as the titles state, they are County Government, not LOCAL Government. 

Use your Vote to elect people you want on your Town Board and also use that opportunity and KEEP your Town Board as your local form of government.  If you elect a Town Board member and realize it was a mistake, you can always vote them out of office at the next election. 

You will hear from some theorists, naysayers, and complainers that this is all about Incorporation.  You might also hear that the Martians are coming to take over this planet.  If you hear either one, these are merely unfounded theories and created distractions that should remain in the minds of the beholder. 

I stated to the Commissioners that I would like to see this issue of the elected Town Board ON the ballot in November if the petitions receive the required number of signatures.  According to the District Attorney, the petitions (the voice of the people) did NOT have the required number of signatures but the Commissioners used their authority to place the issue on the ballot anyway.  The commissioners have the authority to place the issue on the ballot but they can’t vote for you.  It is now up to you, the citizens of Pahrump, to vote in November.  Since there were not enough petition signatures to place this item on the ballot, what makes any reasonable person think the signatures will “magically” appear to in the form of votes?  We need to show the vocal minority that they do NOT speak for the entire 37,000 plus residents of Pahrump.  Again, I welcome the voice of the people today and will welcome it again in November. 

BOTTOM LINE: Retain control of your Local Government by electing your Local Government as members of your Town Board.  The citizens felt strongly about it in 1984 and, after 28 years, this is NOT the time to revert to a Town in its infancy.  It is now up to you to take a positive stand for your local government. 

Remember to vote NO when you see the BALLOT QUESTION, “Shall the Pahrump elected town board form of government be discontinued?” 

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