LETTERS: Uber provides a service region needs

To the editor:

Regarding Jim Armbrust’s rant against Uber (“Uber stealing from taxis in already over-competitive market,” Nov. 1 Review-Journal), this service is something Las Vegas has needed for a long time. Years ago, when we were about to buy a house here, we were staying at the Santa Fe hotel and nearly missed our plane back to California because the cab we called didn’t show up. We got lucky because a cabdriver who had a fare out in that area decided to stop by the Santa Fe to see if he could pick up another fare. We made it to the airport on time by accident.

One of our granddaughters had difficulty getting a cab from downtown to Summerlin, where we now live. Just last month our daughter parked her car at a restaurant to go with some friends to the Life is Beautiful festival. But her friends wanted to go bar-hopping when she wanted to go home. She was practically in tears before she found a cab willing to take her to her car. It is criminal that a woman out by herself can’t get a cab. Cabs either don’t show up or refuse to serve people who want to go someplace other than the Strip or the airport.

I’ve heard that there are cabs that operate only in Summerlin or only on the Strip, but I don’t know how people know which cab to call. My father-in-law drove cabs in Seattle, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Calif. People who called him got a cab, not the lies and outright refusals you get in this stupid town.

NADIA ROMEO

LAS VEGAS

Presidents as role models

To the editor:

I’m writing in response to Bob Wallace’s letter on President Bill Clinton (“Clinton as role model,” Sunday Review-Journal). Mr. Wallace rightfully points out that the former president has fallen short in his personal life. However, the reason he is a role model to millions is what he has accomplished both during and after his presidency.

Remember the 1990s? The Family and Medical Leave Act passed, which now allows millions of us to take off time from work to care for loved ones or recover from medical events without having to worry about losing our jobs. We had a vibrant economy, resulting in the longest economic expansion in history, including a multibillion-dollar federal government surplus when President Clinton left office.

Since then, he has established a global initiative that works to improve health and economies around the world. He acted in the tradition of President Jimmy Carter, who has worked tirelessly to provide basic shelter for individuals around the world via Habitat for Humanity.

Sorry Mr. Wallace, but as role models stack up, I’d ask how presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush compare. They may not have any personal slip-ups that we know of, but brought more tax increases and Iran Contra in the 1980s and started two wars in the 2000s, demolishing the entire surplus President Clinton amassed.

And after their terms, what? Just the good life in California and Texas. Do you really want to discuss role models?

ANNE HAWKINS

HENDERSON

Teacher raises

To the editor:

After nearly eight years, the Clark County School District gave teachers a 1 percent raise. How outrageous is that? Is it any wonder that every school year, there is a shortage of hundreds of teachers? Teachers leave because of the pay inequity. Where are you going to get qualified people to teach? Using substitutes and bringing back retired teachers who are in their later years is just a stop-gap measure.

The Clark County Education Association has not fought for its members and goes along with whatever is given. No wonder teachers opt out in vast numbers, because no one cares about their needs. One percent is ridiculous.

WALTER GOLDSTEIN

HENDERSON