Downtown revival more than a one-man job

To the editor:

The Review-Journal’s Dec. 21 editorial, “Downtown visionary,” rightly gives credit to Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s role in the revitalization of our downtown. Hsieh’s Downtown Project continues to move successfully forward. His $350 million campaign and agenda entails bringing high-skill businesses, nurturing entrepreneurship and improving the area’s quality of life.

Las Vegas is fortunate to have CEO Hsieh as a resident. And he walks his talk. Meaning, not only does he encourage others to move to and live downtown – he lives downtown and next year he moves his Zappos headquarters from Henderson to our former city hall on Stewart Avenue. What others have envisioned Hsieh is making a reality.

However, let’s realize he can’t do it alone. City and Clark County officials and other private sector businesses must do their part in partnering with Hsieh for a true renaissance of our downtown. How ideal for Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson, Wynn Resorts CEO Steve Wynn and MGM’s CEO Jim Murren to join Hsieh in making our downtown a paradise and Las Vegas a Crystal City.

And we the people must do our part by shopping at the new businesses, electing officials friendly to our business community and by respecting the law.

I’m the epitome of confidence that the New Year will be one of

prosperity, success and happiness for Las Vegas – the greatest city in the world. And vis-a-vis Time magazine, were our Vegas Seven magazine to have a Man of the Year, it would be CEO Tony Hsieh, capitalism’s finest – the man with the entrepreneurial golden touch.

CLYDE DINKINS

LAS VEGAS

Who will pay?

To the editor:

What an interesting proposal from the National Rifle Association — placing well-trained armed guards in every one of our nation’s schools.

Did I read correctly, that the NRA is going to pay for these armed guards in all of our nation’s schools? That was very nice of them.

Here in Clark County, we have over 300 schools. The NRA’s proposal would add over 300 good paying jobs to our community.

Thanks, NRA.

DAVID ADAMS

LAS VEGAS

Armed defense

To the editor:

I watched the NRA’s press conference this morning and I must say that I am in complete agreement. I am outraged that our most precious natural resource is not protected while at school. How many more children are going to have to die before we as a society admit that crazy people exist and we have to protect ourselves from them? How many more children are going to have to die before we say that these criminals will not have their 15 minutes of fame at our expense?

It is time to protect our children. Our nation cannot allow any more of these senseless tragedies to happen.

NICHOLAS P. GARTNER

HENDERSON

Defense rifle

To the editor:

I don’t call mine an assault rifle. It’s a defense rifle. I’m not going to take a enemy bunker with it. I agree with some: You don’t need one to shoot one intruder with a rifle. A pistol or shotgun will do nicely. Mine’s for the day when the economy collapses, the riots began, and armed gangs roam the neighborhoods looking for food and loot.

When it’s 12-to-1, I want something to equalize the situation. The National Guard and the police will be staying home to guard their families, too. Then you will be on your own. Can’t happen? We will see. At least I’m prepared. Until then it stays locked up.

WILLIAM COLEMAN

LAS VEGAS

Forty-year payback

To the editor:

America desperately needs businessmen, not self-serving politicians, whose sole purpose is maintaining political power.

I can trace actions back to at least 1935 to show how choices to gain and maintain political power have contributed to the inevitable destruction of America.

Obama’s desire to tax income of $250,000 shows either ignorance or complete disregard for the truth.

I have started 14 businesses. How many people would be content to pay taxes today on income which will be realized over the next 40 years? That is exactly what is facing small business today.

If a businessman buys land and builds a business, the land purchase cannot be written off. If the business is sold, he will be taxed on the increase in value based on inflation.

Similarly, the building must be written off over a 40-year period. Spend the money today and recover the investment over a 40-year period.

Current tax policy produces bad choices either way. By leasing, instead of building the business, a businessman can increase current cash flow, but at the end of the lease, he has more than paid for the land and building (plus improvements) but he owns nothing.

A businessman would know how to reward, not punish, the small businessman.

Increase taxes on paper profits will be very detrimental to our economy.

The business is already paying Social Security, unemployment taxes, plus workmans’ compensation taxes, and now add ObamaCare costs and the small businessman will not be able to aid the economy to grow and provide additional jobs that are needed by a growing population.

FRED STALIANS

LAS VEGAS