Post Office

Something strange is happening at the airport

I just read your story online about Airport Manager Randy Walker [“The Randy Walker File,” October]. It was a great overview of the shenanigans going on at McCarran. Trust me when I say that it is only the tip of the iceberg. 

There are Mormon relationships to public deals that have yet to be exposed. As a former Las Vegas resident, I encourage you to do your community a service and continue your investigation. You’ve done the research; just do some more legwork.

Ronald Smith
Lancaster, Calif.


Harris is wrong to suggest privatizing prisons

I am writing in response to the Oct. 25 edition of “Nevada Newsmakers,” which hosted a gentlemen by the name of George Harris. I didn’t catch the full interview. My wife called me in from outside because of your discussion on Jim Gibbons and Nevada corrections.

I am vice president of the Nevada Corrections Association, which has thrown its support behind Jim Gibbons for governor. We decided to support Jim after intense discussions and sharing viewpoints. We believe Jim is very much in support of public safety and as far as privatization is concerned, like us, he believes that no line should exist between money and the security of prisons and public safety as a whole.

Mr. Harris, I believe, was in support of privatization because of money factors. As a correctional officer myself for 10 years, and as vice president of this unique organization made up of correctional staff here in Nevada, I can tell you sir, there is no comparison to private-prison “guards” and state-correctional officers. Privatization is all about making money for corporations and not about the safety of the public. Next to terrorism, privatization of prisons is the next greatest threat to society. 

It appears to me that the combination of our early support for Jim has caused some public figures to feel uncomfortable. I hope that other law enforcement and public safety agencies will also support Jim. I feel he is a man of character, courage and has proven himself in the committees he presides on in the U.S. Congress, and as a veteran of the Armed Forces.    

Thank you in advance for your time, and feel free to contact me further on this or any other matters pertaining to state corrections.

Gene Columbus
Washoe Valley


Billy Walters preys on our entrepreneurial economy

Regarding Liberty Watch’s September cover story [“Perfect Game”], I will remind you of two points regarding Mr. Walters.

First, the community did get back the 275 acres at Warm Springs and Durango for a regional park, and while Mr. Walters still got the deal-of-the-century for the 60 acres in which he used the golf courses as an alleged shill, the public can at least benefit from open space and a park.

Second, as for the 160 acres at Royal Links: Come on, Mike, this is a favor being asked of the city council by Mr. Walters and he should pay fair market value for that favor. Only Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian had the guts and logic to say “no.” The other councilmembers all suffer from their own limitations which allow them to make decisions without thinking of their duty as a public servant. It is sad for us taxpayers.

Mike, I think you should understand my motivation in speaking to these issues and others. I have a lot of experience in bringing good projects to Las Vegas and investors who have made a big difference in our economy — some big, some small. I really like to see the community (citizens) have a fair playing field when dealing with Mr. Walters and others like him who prey on us as a growing entrepreneurial economy.

Sure he hires the best and brightest, but in some small way, I think we are winning. The best thing Mr. Walters does for us as a community is allow us to see the real ethics and integrity of our elected officials.  

Lisa Mayo-DeRiso
Las Vegas