Opinion

Often, people accuse the media of having an agenda. And in the Optic’s case, they are absolutely right. Our agenda is simple: Promote open government.

On Jan. 26, Las Vegas resident Leith Johnson submitted a public records request to the city government for “all records pertaining to the collection of the one-fourth of 1 percent gross receipts tax specially to be applied to water.”

She asked, “How much has been collected since the (tax) law was passed? How much interest has been earned on the money? How has any or all of it been used?”

I am writing this letter to gain the attention of the Luna Community College Board of Trustees and administration. I have made several attempts to meet with the vice president of academics and the president and have been unsuccessful in getting my calls returned or meetings set up.

Last week, board members of MainStreet Las Vegas took it upon themselves to canvass business owners and residents who will be directly impacted by the Grand Avenue Streetscape Project. We talked with 27 businesses and one resident; we were not able to meet with four residents and two businesses.

We asked, Which alternative do you prefer: the four-lane alternative or the two-lane alternative?

Of the 28 surveyed, 27 agreed that the two-lane alternative will have a beneficial impact on their businesses and provide improved safety and beautification opportunities.

One thing is absolutely undeniable about the Rio Arriba Road railroad crossing just north of town: Two people have been killed trying to cross there.

Now, some are calling for the installation of warning lights and other safety equipment at the site, rather than just signage.

But so far, they’re not getting any response.

To be sure, all agencies contacted agree on one thing: It’s someone else’s job to improve the crossing.

I’m writing again because I know that domestic violence is still with us. There have been individuals that say, “She does not know what she is talking about.” After 12 years in the field and having had the best training at the Police Academy from experts, I should know that what I say is fact, based on experience and education.

Councilor Morris Madrid spoke long and eloquently at the city council meeting. He was compelled to leave as much unsaid.

It would have been the perfect moment to recall Donald Rumsfeld’s famous quote: “There are known knowns. These are things that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know.”

In response to Mr. Paul Gray, engineer for the New Mexico Department of Transportation, published Jan. 16-18 in the Optic (“Another killed in train wreck”): your assumption will not bring back the two people who got killed. This is called passing the buck. I don‘t have an engineering degree, but I don’t believe it’s the City of Las Vegas’ responsibility. There are two roads that access this crossing: one is Rio Arriba and the other is Aragon Road. The crossing provides access to either road; these are state or county roads.

Who around here needs to watch soap operas? Especially these last few months. Just watch what’s going on at City Hall. Nobody is suffering amnesia, as they typically do in soaps. But our community has plenty of other forms of drama — fights between former friends, lost jobs, chaos and lawyers.

We want to thank everyone who was part of the recent Cooney Fundraiser Concert at the First Presbyterian Church. What a joyful and heartwarming occasion it was!  Such talent, kindness, and generosity!  We are humbled and grateful and will put the money to very good use as we rebuild and rebound from the fire.