LETTERS: Soccer stadium would benefit many

To the editor:

I’m getting sick of these people who complain about paying a few dollars in taxes for a downtown soccer stadium. I quit drinking a few years ago, but I didn’t want people to stop building bars. I’m on a diet, but I don’t want to see a stop to building restaurants. I don’t drive, but I don’t want to stop the building of car dealerships.

Folks, if you don’t like sports, don’t go. But these stadiums provide jobs, allow people who do like sports to relax and enjoy soccer, hockey and the like. And by the way, these people spend money before and after games. Every major city has projects like the soccer stadium. It brings cities together.

Again, if you don’t like it, don’t go, but you will still benefit from the many fans who will go to these games.

ROBERT MATUSIEWICZ

LAS VEGAS

Licensing and Uber

To the editor:

The Review-Journal’s Jan. 30 editorial on easing licensing requirements for Uber overlooks one important thing: these requirements are meant to assure the public that the driver has been trained, is safe, has had an extensive background check and drug screening, and that the car is fully insured.

Uber drivers have assaulted passengers, driven while under the influence and denied rides to the handicapped. This is unacceptable. And as for the comment that licensing inflates fares, Uber practices surge pricing, by which a 15-minute ride can cost more than $300. Let’s keep the licensing in place to keep this kind of predatory behavior in check.

MARK STUHMER

LAS VEGAS

Maloofs and the NHL

To the editor:

While I’m excited about the prospect of the National Hockey League possibly coming to Las Vegas, the fact that the Maloof brothers are involved stops me in my tracks (“Fanning NHL flames,” Jan. 29 Review-Journal). This is the same group of brothers who were the laughingstock of NBA ownership and single-handedly tore down a franchise with poor decisions, the worst draft picks and a carousel of management and coaches.

Even though a small minority ownership stake is reportedly all the Maloofs would have, it’s too much. Please, Bill Foley, reconsider the Maloofs’ involvement. The last thing this project or team needs is frat-boy ownership.

MIKE MORGAN

LAS VEGAS

Wetlands Park a gem

To the editor:

What a wonderful, educational and entertaining opportunity we have right in our midst, just a few miles from the Strip: the Clark County Wetlands Park. On Jan. 31, the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Wetlands staff hosted the first Bio Blitz. They arranged various learning stations in many areas.

Audubon members helped people identify the many birds present (they had binoculars and birds charts to help). There were people to help us look at and identify different types of water creatures and fish. There was a “Tykes Station” for the younger visitors to learn about insects and spiders. There were guided walks every hour or so to different areas of the park. People were encouraged to get the “iNaturalist” app for their smartphones or to keep written records, and everyone met back at the classroom a few hours later to compare notes and get their questions answered.

This was a major learning and fun experience. Too many residents don’t know such a place exists so close to the city. We have beavers, coyotes, bobcats, and miles and miles of easy walking trails, bike paths and even places to come and ride your own horses. The educational center has a great hands-on museum open every day until 3 p.m., and the whole park is open sunrise to sunset.

The Wetlands Park is a real find and a nice change of pace from the hustle of Las Vegas. And it’s close to home.

CHERI COLLINS

HENDERSON