Open Letter #1 to Community

The information below is provided because there are many in the community who has no information, some information, or erroneous information about several issues.  I will select two or three 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

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 (if you doubt them) 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. 

1. Water Rights -
Please look at the chart below.  It shows that the Town did indeed utilize the funds provided by the County to purchase water rights.  It is also shows that the water rights purchased were transferred to Kellogg Park (Point of Diversion) in order for the Town to show “beneficial use” of the water rights purchased.  As everyone should know there is no well on the Fairgrounds property, therefore we cannot place the water rights on that piece of property.  That is where the “use them or lose them” rule comes into play also known as “beneficial use” and that is why the Town’s “water guy” had the purchased water rights transferred to Kellogg Park property.  The Town owns two wells at the Kellogg property and the Town can show “beneficial use”.  Therefore, the Town and/or Town Manager did not lose the $1.1 million given to the Town by the County.  The funds were correctly spent, the chart was provided to the BOCC, and all is well in the Town of Pahrump.  Refer questions to anyone on the Town Board or the Town Manager. 

	Application	Owner per DWR Records	Place of Use	Date	Shares Acquired	Payment	Legal & Engineer Costs	Total Cost
1	75281	PAHRUMP	KELLOGG PARK	02/05/07	5.00	$ 65,777	$16,886	$ 82,663
2	76355	PAHRUMP	KELLOGG PARK	04/07/08	8.00	$104,000	$ 4,305	$108,305
3	76588	PAHRUMP	KELLOGG PARK	11/19/07	33.50	$446,555	$11,514	$458,069
4	76649	PAHRUMP	KELLOGG PARK	12/24/07	41.50	$518,750	$13,492	$532,242
5	77078	PAHRUMP	KELLOGG PARK	11/24/08	2.00	$ 30,000	$ 3,075	$ 33,075
6	78096	PAHRUMP	KELLOGG PARK	12/09/09	3.00	$ 26,100	$ 3,574	$ 29,674
7	78097	PAHRUMP	KELLOGG PARK	12/09/09	7.88	$ 68,556	$ 3,574	$ 72,130
8	77659	PAHRUMP	KELLOGG PARK	05/18/09	2.00	$ 24,000	$ 4,669	$ 28,669
9	80153	PAHRUMP	KELLOGG PARK	09/24/07	2.00	$ 24,000	$ 1,554	$ 25,554
					104.88	$1,307,738	$62,642	$1,370,380

2.  Fire Department Volunteers -
It is not a myth that the Town’s Fire Department utilizes volunteers.  Pahrump Valley Fire Rescue Service (PVFRS) is a combination department consisting of career and volunteer members.  There are approximately 25 volunteers who provide an array of services to our community with absolutely no financial reimbursement.  The volunteers program consists of Firefighters, Paramedics, Nurses, EMTs, and administrative support staff.  Almost daily, qualified volunteers are on duty in our main fire station to respond to emergency incidents aside their career counterparts.  This approach helps us deliver high level quality service in a timely manner.  Volunteers can also be summoned to large emergency incidents through an established recall process.  This helps ensure appropriate personnel on scene and the flexibility to respond to additional calls for service.  Clearly, the volunteer spirit is alive and well at Pahrump Valley Fire Rescue.  Anyone interested in volunteering should visit the PVFRS Monday-Friday at 300 N. Hwy 160 or by telephone at 751-5658. 

3. Town Parks -
Lately, there have been comments made about the Town wasting money/funds on park signage and the development of parks.  

One of the comments indicated the Town spent money on signs that could have been done with paint and wood.  Another comment indicated the Town spent yet more money on building a park that didn’t need to be built.  Further comments were, “Put the funds in the bank for a rainy day”; “give the funds to the food pantries”; “give the funds to the Boys & Girls Club”; or “build a Homeless Shelter with the funds.” 

Well let’s talk and please allow me to explain the facts and laws pertaining to the Park Impact Fees.  

Fact #1 – The Town has Park Impact Fees which were obtained through development agreements with developers who build businesses and/or homes inside the Town of Pahrump. 

Fact #2 – The Town has only two (2) options when it comes to Park Impact Fees. 

Option 1: Spend the funds on Parks (designing, building, purchasing equipment for the Parks i.e., playground equipment, signs, gazebos, grass, backstops, water system, etc…), or

Option 2: Let the funds sit, do not spend/utilize the funds and then by Law NRS 278B.260 the Town must refund the Impact Fees back to the developers. 

As a member of the Town Board, I do not support the Town Manager returning funds to developers that have already made their profits and had an obligation to either build parks themselves or give the Town the funds to build the Parks.  An agreement was made regarding these funds that was mutually beneficial to the County/Town and the developer.   That arrangement between the County/Town and the developers granted permission to the developers to build thousands of homes in our community.  These Parks are a contribution from developers to assist the community in taking care of those prospective citizens who will be purchasing those homes and/or visiting those businesses.  This is the process known as building a community and/or community development. 

The two options outlined above are the only options allowable by law when dealing with park impact fees.  Nothing more/nothing less!  Spend the funds on PARKS or give the funds back to the developers. 

The Town currently built a new Park (Simkins), renovating two Parks (Petrack and Blosser Road) and spruced up yet another (Ian Deutch Memorial) with these Impact Fees.  Why you ask?  Because Parks make the Town look better plus it gives citizens a place to go to picnic, practice or play sports, exercise, or just enjoy the family.  And in these trying times, I can’t think of a better way to spend the Town’s money than to build, renovate or spruce up our Parks.  We need places like Parks to go to and enjoy our families and interact with others to forget about the troubles we are going through even if it is only for an hour or two or three.  I am confident that if you, as a citizen of Pahrump, go to the Park to watch our children play baseball or soccer or just have fun, it would bring a gigantic smile to your face.  As Butch Harper projects throughout our community, we do this to create “Smiles Across Pahrump” for our children and our adult citizens as well.  

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

Another Open Letter

Another OPEN Letter to Pahrump Residents

After my last “Open Letter” I received lots of comments from residents.  Although I didn’t expect it, I am pleased to say that the comments were all positive (some ‘pro’’-Incorporation and some against’ Incorporation) and several people offered friendly recommendations.  If you didn’t see my last “Open Letter” to you, you can view it on my BLOG at  http://tomwatersthoughts.blogspot.com/

One “recommendation” that I received and felt was very worthwhile was to encourage everyone to sign a partition for placing Incorporation on the ballot in 2012.  There are many citizens that are opposed to Incorporation but still want to see it ON the ballot.  The partition would be ONLY to place the issue on the ballot without stating that you are for or against Incorporation.  And, it would allow every voter to have a “voice” in our future to either remain an Unincorporated Town or become an Incorporated City. 

All I ask, and will continue to ask, is that everyone be allowed to “voice” their opinion.  So, let’s get the questions properly “framed” for the “Up or Down” vote in 2012.  Also, please remember that this will ONLY happen IF someone comes forward to start a “Grassroots” organization to make it happen.  Are YOU that someone?  According to the County District Attorney and the County Clerk, you will need to get 1840 signatures of Pahrump residents to sign the petition stating that they are in favor of placing the referendum of Incorporation on the ballot in 2012.  This figure (1840) is based on 15% of the Total Voter Turnout in the last General Election. 

BOTTOM LINE: Whether you are for Incorporation or against Incorporation, you have a vested interest as a Pahrump resident in seeing this issue ON the ballot in 2012.  Regardless of the outcome, we can all join together and accept this as the fourth and hopefully the final vote regarding Incorporation. 

Go to my BLOG and read more of my thoughts.  J  It is http://tomwatersthoughts.blogspot.com/

Open Letter to Pahrump Residents - Incorporation

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

Support YOUR Town Board

Letter to Pahrump Residents

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR TOWN BOARD.  We are here to serve YOU, all of you.  We can’t function without hearing from and listening to you, your ideas, your thoughts, and your desires for the future of our Town. 

I ask that you contact not only me but all five of us to ensure that we are all “hearing” the same things.  If we do something that you consider “stupid” because we were “ill informed” and you had the information but did not share it with us, then blame yourselves for not enlightening us.  We are NOT all-seeing and all-knowing but, we are all-caring about our Town.  We truly are Civil Servants because we donate our entire annual salaries to YOU, the Town of Pahrump.  You can easily contact us by e-mail or phone.  This information is readily available on the Town Webpage or by visiting or calling the Town Office. 

Look over the agenda for the next Town Board meeting.  If you have questions or recommendations please get them to us BEFORE the meeting so we can provide a ‘researched’ response.  In many cases, you (or an Advisory Board) will be the only experts we have.  So, work with us so we can work together for the betterment of the Town. 

As I’ve said before and will continue to say, please come to the Town Board meetings and show your support for OUR Town.  Thanks.

Open Letter to Pahrump Residents

Before I begin, I want this disclaimer to say that I speak ONLY for myself.  I do not speak for any present or future Town Board member and I have not discussed the contents of this letter with any of them. 

This is an OPEN letter to all Pahrump residents.  I want to thank you for voting for your Town Board.  Whether you actually voted for me or not does not matter because on 1 January 2011, I will represent every Pahrump resident.  For that reason I ask for your support.  This is YOUR Town and we, as a Town Board, represent all of you. 

Please contact me or any member of the Town Board members by phone or e-mail if you want to see something on the agenda.  Don’t wait until we, or the Town manager, place items on the agenda and then attend the meetings merely to criticize our actions.  Please let us know what you want us to do.  We want to serve the citizens of Pahrump and be the Town Board that you voted for.  We can only do that with your support. 

I would like to see more families attending the Town Board meetings because families come together to solve problems and resolve issues.  We, as a Town, are “family” in that sense of the word.  We also need to see our young residents (ages 18-30) attending to get them involved in the inter-workings of our Town government as a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”  For those reasons, I would also like to see a “more civil” meeting where each person show respect for the others.  A quote by Joseph Pearce says, “For only as we ourselves, as adults, actually move and have our being in the state of love, can we be appropriate models and guides for our children.  What we are teaches the child far more than what we say, so we must be what we want our children to become.” 

Also, please know that we (the Town Board) are guided by the NRS 241, the Open Meeting Law (OML).  The OML prohibits more than two Town Board members from discussing any item that might be on the agenda prior to the Open meeting.  It also restricts us from having a “closed’ meeting” except in special circumstances.  We are not “all seeing and all knowing” and we’ll need your help.  We will have the same information that you receive ‘on-line’ or from the Town Office so feel free to provide us with additional information that you might have that we don’t.  Of course, we may receive confidential information not privy to the residents.  I merely ask that you understand that, if that is the case, we may not be able to explain to you why we voted the way we did.  I truly believe that will be the exception and not the rule. 

The Town Board meets the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday each month at 7:00 PM at the Bob Ruud Community Center.  The agenda is posted by Thursday evening before the Tuesday meeting. Please read it over and contact one, two, or all five of the Town Board members with your thoughts and ideas about any item on the agenda and then come to the meeting to show your support.  I also ask that you send us your justifications for your particular stance on any agenda item.  Please ensure that your justifications are verifiable and please provide enough data that will allow us to verify all justifications without merely blindly following rumors, innuendoes, or complaints.  If you tell us the “sky is falling”, please let us know where we can get the information to verify it.  Likewise, if you tell us that you are buying the pizzas, let us know when and where.  I look forward to seeing all of you at the future Town Board meetings. 

Dr. Tom Waters
Pahrump Town Board - Elect

Complaints versus Praises

It is so easy to always complain about someone or something, but if you do that, it gives those around you the impression that you are a ‘negative’ person.  Instead of being the voice of “gloom & doom” why not try to reflect a “positive” image of Pahrump and of those of us who live here.  Also, we can always “agree” to “disagree” without being disagreeable and we can avoid hateful rhetoric. Look for the POSITIVE, not the NEGATIVE in our community.  Please look at my “Polly Anna” list below and see where you could have said THANKS.  Hopefully, you already did say THANKS.  J   Please remember what the Dalai Lama stated, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  And, if you want to be happy, practice compassion.” 

Are you looking for the Positive or the Negative?  You can find either in most situations.  I choose to look for the Positive because I am an eternal optimist.  We can work together to fix or eliminate the problems in our community without blaming each other for the cause.  In other words, we can work together to make Pahrump the “ideal” place we all want it to be. 

Have YOU said THANKS or looked for the Positive in:

- Churches / Places of Prayer- Have you taken the time to thank your pastor, rabbi, or religious leader for being there when you need him or her?  Have you thanked the congregational members for praying for you or calling you?  

- Casino Meals and Buffets – Have you thanked the workers for a nice meal?  What about the service?  A “tip” is nice but when you include a THANKS with a SMILE, WoW !!  J

- Restaurants – We have some GREAT restaurants and other eateries in our community.  They could use that THANKS and SMILE too.  

- Wal-Mart – This is the Pahrump Meeting Place.  We can complain about the crowds or we can enjoy the “tour” around the store. When you go there, don’t be in a hurry and things go so much smoother.  

- Town Board – Here are FIVE people who receive ZERO pay for governing our town and we should THANK them for donating their time.  We voted for them and placed them into office and we should support their efforts.  If we agree with them we should let them know.  If we disagree with them we can let them know without being disagreeable or argumentative.  Negative name-calling is unnecessary and reduces the image of the name-caller and that of our town.  Did YOU run for a Town Board seat?  Did you vote for a particular candidate?  Well, vote again in November and, whether your choice wins or not, support those that are elected. THANK them for their efforts.  

- Town Office – This office (and the people there) is the GLUE that holds it all together.  When you go by, THANK them for all that they do. 

I could go on and on about being “positive for Pahrump” because, according to the AMA, positive people are healthier.  It takes more energy and muscles to frown than to smile.  I have positive things to say about our County Commissioners, Great Basin College, Concerned Citizens for a Safe Community (CCSC), Nevada Center for Public Policy Dialogue (NCPPD), and so many others. 

As you can see, I am positive about the potential of our town and of our citizens.  It will take all of us working together to make Pahrump the place we want it to be.  

Back In Pahrump

Pahrump is truly a GREAT Town and I miss it (and all of you) when I am away.  Do we Pahrumpians have any problems?  Absolutely!  Will we always agree?  More than likely, this answer is NO!  However, I firmly believe that working together we can resolve any issue that keeps Pahrump moving in the RIGHT direction.  One way to keep us moving in the RIGHT direction is to keep our elected (and appointed) officials informed of our interests and desires.  Send your thoughts and concerns to them by any means available and then attend the meetings and let your voice be heard.

It is unfair to the Town Board, the Commissioners, and the entire Town for any resident to wait until the meeting merely to criticize a decision.  Review the agenda items (along with the back-up materials) before the meeting and let your thoughts be known.  Then be there (or send a representative to speak for you) so everyone understands your thoughts and concerns

REMEMBER - We can "agree to disagree" on the smaller details as we work together on the BIG details to make Pahrump the place we all want it to be.