Letters to the Editor

Governor Sandoval did the right thing with his veto of AB391, which would have placed VEA under the regulation of the PUC.

Our county enjoys a great advantage by having a subscriber owned electric utility co-op. VEA has done a great job of management that keeps our rates low, provides excellent service, and plans for future needs by investing in infrastructure.

One of the major reasons is that we own the company and elect the Board of Directors. The PUC, on the other hand, are appointed bureaucrats. VEA’s Board answers to the members. Any earnings are reinvested or returned to the members in the form of capital credits. NV Energy, however, is a for profit company, which must make stockholders happy.

So compare the rates between what we pay in Pahrump, and what Clark County pays. Are we to believe that the PUC would regulate us for nothing, and incur no additional hours or staff expense? VEA would also incur additional administrative costs resulting in higher rates. There’s an old saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”!

The real issue here is greed. NV Energy resents the fact that VEA successfully obtained contracts at both Creech Air Force Base and the Nevada National Security Site. NV Energy did not even bid on Creech. They blew it, and so they have taken the legislative approach to cover their backsides.

Warren Buffet recently acquired NV Energy. Perhaps Warren should pull a Donald Trump and terminate some of the top executives at NV Energy.

For the record, at both Creech and NNSS, VEA did not go “outside its territory.” Both entities are federal installations above state law and local regulation; moreover, VEA only owns, operates, and maintains the bases’ electric distribution infrastructure.

Danny Thompson, AFL-CIO, accuses VEA of “pirating” business, and says if this “goes south” power bills will go up. Actually these lucrative business ventures have increased revenue and therefore helped to keep rates low.

Thompson goes on to say that the union will “pressure the PUC, won’t endorse candidates who didn’t support the bill, and will go after the governor.” While he pretends to be concerned about ratepayers, his true agenda is to unionize VEA. Something employees have repeatedly voted against. The fact that Thompson has resorted to threats shows what a weakened position he and his union are in.

Well, Danny boy, talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy whiskey. VEA will get the Nellis contract too.

Put that in your electrical outlet.

Gene McGrath

VEA Member/Owner

2013 Ms. Senior pageant a success thanks to community, supporters and participants

The Ms. Senior Nye County Organization would like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to all the individuals, merchants and groups whose generous contributions helped to make the 2013 Ms. Senior Nye County Pageant a success.

Our many supporters include:

Jack Sanders of Sanders Winery, Cathy Singbeil of Arbors Flowers and Gifts, Wine Ridge RV Resort, Pahrump Valley Winery & Symphony Restaurant, Jewelry of Romance, Master Tech Computers, Janda’s Ribbons, KPVM TV and KHMP TV.

Other supporters we thank include:

KNYE Radio, The Pahrump Valley Times, The Pahrump Mirror, staff and management at Pahrump Nugget, our extended family at Ms. Senior Nevada, Inc., Ms. Senior Golden Years, Inc., our beautiful and elegant contestants and their families.

We recognize and thank our many program advertisers, all of the numerous individuals who gave of their time and talents — on stage and backstage — at this year’s event and, of course, the Pahrump community, without whose support we could not succeed. Please accept our heartfelt thanks.

Scotty Winegar

Ms. Senior Nye County Pageant/Executive Director

Thanks to Pahrump and Nye County for supporting ‘forget-me-not’ days

Pahrump Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 15, wants you to know how much we value your support for our Forget-Me-Not days.

We thank you for the confidence and trust you placed in Chapter 15, and will do everything possible to continue to earn your trust and goodwill.

Whenever disabled veterans, their families or the dependents of deceased servicemen need help, your donations will be put to good use.

The following locations allowed us to hold our forget-me-not event on May 17 and 18:

CVS Pharmacy, Albertson’s Grocery, Smith Food & Drug, Walgreens and Walmart.

Thanks to Pahrump Valley High School JROTC cadets and James Hein LTC(R), senior army instructor, for volunteering their time during this event.

Thank you to Pahrump residents and Nye County for supporting D.A.V. Chapter 1. And, thanks to D.A.V. Chapter 15 and auxiliary for volunteers and your support.

Charlie H. Hart

JRVIC

Support Miss Pahrump

Come out and support the Miss Pahrump Pageant 2013, on Saturday June 22, at Saddle West Casino Ballroom at 6:30 p.m., for the 37th anniversary of this event.

Tickets are available at Best Western front desk with regular seats at $10 and VIP seats at $15.

Debra Bowman

Pageant Director