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Today's Opinions

  • Column: From the mailbag

    The columns I most enjoy writing are those that include reader comments. A few recent columns have generated some reaction and response, some of which appear here.

    People reacted to last week’s column on menudo and squash. I’m happy to say that most of the comments agree with my stance that I’d request neither item as my last meal. What would be preferable? That’s easy. Cocoa Puffs smothered in Velveeta Cheese.

    But on a slightly more serious note, a large combination plate like my neighbor, Carmen Vigil, used to make, would be fine.

    Click here to read more...
  • Column: A public plan to fail

    Our country is embroiled, on a federal level, with the health care reform debate. One of the opening salvos came in the form of President Obama declaring that any talk of single-payer health coverage is “off the table.” Oddly, nobody has questioned how single payer got “off the table.” I am guessing it didn’t jump off the table of its own accord. I would lay serious money on the likelihood that the health insurance lobby leaned on Obama and others to push it off the table.

    Click here to read more...
  • Editorial: City should be very wary

    The Las Vegas City Council should think long and hard before it makes a decision on what to do with its vacant land along Mills Avenue, where the city demolished a public housing development a couple of years ago.

    Originally, the city has planned to have homes built there for a homeownership program for low-income people. Then, in 2005, the council entered a public-private partnership with Farmington-based JL Gray for tax-credit housing for a portion of the vacant land.

    That arrangement fell through. And the city hasn’t provided a clear explanation why.

    Click here to read more...
  • Editorial Thumbs

    thumb DOWN for ...AN INNOCENT VICTIM. We’re always dismayed when we hear about a dog attack. It’s even worse when the victim is a 74-year-old man in a wheelchair. Recently, Jose Gurule was reportedly knocked down to the ground as a neighbor’s canine attacked him.

    The police are looking into whether they should charge the owner criminally. If officers establish the elements of a crime, they should charge. Owners need to be held accountable when their dogs attack innocent victims.

    Click here to read more...
  • Letter: Time to crack down on burglars

    The San Miguel District Attorney’s Office recently prosecuted and received a conviction on a San Geronimo resident who has been plaguing the Mineral Hill area with burglaries. This individual along with two, and at times, three others have burglarized numerous residences in the area. One home has been burglarized four times now and there is now virtually nothing left to steal.

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  • EDITORIAL: Make them live here

    At a recent public forum on the proposed city charter, some said they liked the idea that the city require its managers to live right here in Las Vegas.

    This may seem like a no-brainer, but it hasn’t always been the case. Remember that City Manager John Avila, who served from 2005 to 2008, kept his main residence in the Albuquerque area and only stayed in a local apartment during the week. That likely made him less effective.

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  • EDITORIAL: Let’s see the audit

    Earlier this year, the city commissioned a special audit into billing adjustments in the utilities department. Mayor Tony Marquez said Councilman Andrew Feldman and Utilities Director George DuFour may have reduced people’s bills in violation of the law. (The mayor didn’t mention Feldman’s name specifically, but it was clear who he was talking about when he said “a councilman.”)

    DuFour lost his job over the issue. Both DuFour and Feldman have insisted for months they did nothing wrong.

    Click here to read more...
  • AS IT IS: Sugar goes a long way

    When a police officer stops you, it’s always advisable to cooperate. That’s been my usual method of dealing with law enforcement.

    Only one time did I cop an attitude with an officer. And it didn’t work — I still got a speeding ticket.

    A couple of weeks ago, I was stopped by state police Officer Frank Chavez for speeding, as I reported in my column last week. He was professional, just like nearly every officer I have encountered over the years. But sometimes, cops can get out of hand, just like those in any profession.

    Click here to read more...

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