LETTERS: Sales tax hike best move for education
To the editor:
I agree with Charlise Butler’s letter suggesting an increase in the sales tax to provide additional funding for Nevada’s public schools (“Sales tax for education,” Jan. 26 Review-Journal). As Ms. Butler stated, everyone pitches in. The whole community would benefit from an improved educational system and a broad-based tax.
Another advantage to a sales tax increase is that a system is already in place, including the reporting and auditing process for the collection and administration of the tax. The state wouldn’t need to create a new bureaucracy for this funding source. More important, support for this tax might be more easily garnered than asking only one segment of the community provide all the funding.
After reading the article on Gov. Brian Sandoval’s tax proposal (“Sandoval details business fee plan,” Jan. 30 Review-Journal), it appears the governor’s plan raises the obvious question of fairness. Businesses in different industries would pay different tax rates. And when businesses pass on the additional cost of the tax to the consumer, one has to ask: Why not just raise the sales tax rate to the consumer, and avoid all the legal, political and social mumbo jumbo?
JERRY STEFFES
LAS VEGAS
It’s not the weapon
To the editor:
John L. Smith is either genuinely concerned about the possibility of crimes by the mentally unstable, or he is parroting somebody’s talking points on limiting gun ownership (“Nevada at crossroads on gun buyer background checks,” Jan. 31 Review-Journal). The vast majority of Nevadans don’t want any more regulations on their freedoms and rights. The driving force behind gun registration and “doing something” comes from deep-pocket liberals determined to remove firearms and gun ownership from U.S. citizens.
Since 1968, we have seen increased regulation of guns. I couldn’t help but notice that between the cover of Page 1B, where Mr. Smith’s column started, and where it ended on Page 3B, there were articles on three assaults — a beating and two stabbings. The last article noted the conviction of a woman for stabbing a man 38 times, saying voices made her do it.
With easy access to fists, cars, knives, clubs or matches, I think it is safe to say we will never be completely safe from harm. The cause of murder and violence is the person, not the weapon used.
DAVID BYRNE
LAS VEGAS
Farewell, Wranglers
To the editor:
So the Las Vegas Wranglers ECHL hockey team folded (“Wranglers fold after 11 seasons in Vegas,” Saturday Review-Journal). They were probably the most successful professional sports team to hit the valley, providing good entertainment at an affordable price.
But the inevitable had to come, as it does with every other franchise that comes here. They say there are no sure bets in Las Vegas, but it’s a lock that teams coming here will either fold or leave. Thanks for 11 great years, Wranglers.
JOE MOLINARO
HENDERSON
Hypocritical ‘help’
To the editor:
I have one question for the Democratic Party: Will it ever end the ongoing hypocrisy it has bestowed on the American people? A hot issue presently, and one that will extend through the 2016 election, is the dire problem the middle class is facing.
President Barack Obama is now leading his so-called charge to help the middle class. Where was he for the last six years as president, when the middle class needed help during a chaotic period? The president’s hypocrisy runs through the entire Democratic Party, which has supported policies that devastated our economy.
The middle class will continue to suffer, maybe more so with what the president has in mind for the next two years.
CLARENCE LANZRATH
LAS VEGAS
Almanac grievances
To the editor:
I am amazed and stunned at how many folks have written letters to the editor regarding the new Almanac format in the Review-Journal. I, too, dislike it and find it annoying. Please return it to the previous format. Readers notice when articles become more difficult and cumbersome to read.
THOMAS HANSEN
LAS VEGAS
Stadium lacks support
To the editor:
There are a lot of pros and cons with the proposed soccer stadium in downtown Las Vegas. As an outsider looking in, I believe this may be the straw that breaks the Goodmans’ mayoral reign.
I love sports and would gladly support any venue if it had the strong support of the majority. I am not a UNLV alumnus, but I follow and support the Rebels with zeal and to the best of my ability. Many folks complain about UNLV sports programs, but if a true major effort to upgrade facilities was forthcoming, it would greatly enhance the university’s athletic profile.
Las Vegas draws millions of dollars from the Super Bowl and major events, mainly from the tourists. This will not happen for a local soccer team, and for the most part, locals have a different view than that of Mayor Carolyn Goodman.
DON ELLIS
HENDERSON
