Editorial Thumbs

Thumbs UP for ... A NEW LOOK. The Las Vegas Police Department headquarters, which stands on some choice real estate at the Old Town Plaza, is getting a new and long overdue look. A groundbreaking ceremony took place last week for the building renovation.

We’re glad to see it. The PD’s new facade promised to complement this beautiful area of town.

Thumbs UP for ... DEMOCRACY IN ACTION. Too often citizens sit back and rely on representative democracy when they should be getting out and practicing participatory democracy, but in the case of  the U.S. Air Force’s proposal for low-altitude training flights over northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, Las Vegas has seen both. Here in Las Vegas, not only has the public outcry has been strong and determined, but the mayor has been forceful and assertive as well in opposing the plan.

Whether you oppose the plan or not, it’s hard to deny the grassroots movement that grew up almost overnight about this issue. So far, it’s been an impressive show of democracy in action — and will continue to be, since the Air Force, obviously feeling the pressure, has extended the public comment period by over a month, to Nov. 15.

Thumbs UP for ... COUNCILOR GETTING BETTER. It’s good hear that City Council member David Romero, who suffered a stroke last month, is getting better. His daughter, Sonia Romero, said last week that he was “progressing very fast. He’s walking and talking.

Get well soon, Mr. Romero. We all rooting for you.

Thumbs UP for ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Las Vegas’ 175th anniversary celebration last week was loads of fun for many, with music, art, dance and more at Plaza Park, followed by an impressive Mayor’s Clarity Ball that will likely become an annual event to raise money for many worthy nonprofit organizations in town.

One of the many bright spots at the ball was the Nat Gold Players, which performed scenes from local history and played characters such as Billy and Kid and Pabilta Angel, a Las Vegas woman hanged for stabbing her husband.

We must say that, despite others’ best efforts, Mayor Alfonso Ortiz was right not to pardon Billy and Kid. The governor can attest to the bruhaha such a symbolic gesture can create. It was wise to just give him a drink, Mr. Mayor.

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AND WE QUOTE

“Right now I’m currently seeking a full status report from the independent auditors in the field. I am concerned about any substantial tax increase that would catch the taxpayers off guard.”

— State Auditor Hector Balderas, regarding a nearly 30 percent property tax increase this year on the east side of Las Vegas.