Letters to the Editor

Despite complaints, Pahrump has lots to offer

This town has so much more to offer than just a bunch of complaining residents that don't want to let new businesses in, but complain about the lack of choices and jobs in our town.

I moved to Pahrump in 2007, and have loved being here ever since. Sure, I have had my share of life problems - losing my job, losing my car, getting pulled over, etc. I experienced these problems, not because of Pahrump, but because that was a hurdle I need to overcome or learn from.

Since moving to Pahrump, I have grown as a person, realized that I do enjoy working in retail, had an easier time staying away from alcohol (since I am a non-practicing alcoholic). I have made very good friends, made good business contacts, and experienced more acceptance as a lesbian than I did when I lived in Reno, a bigger city that most people would have thought to be more accepting of people who are different.

I love this town, love living here, and just can't stand people putting it down, which I have been hearing happen more recently, Pahrump is a wonderful place. Finally, a place I can say I feel at home living in.

Thank you,

Jeanette Anderson

Thank you from Nathan Adelson Hospice

On behalf of Nathan Adelson Hospice, we would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors and contributors who participated in last Friday's Festival of Trees:

Mr. Tim Hafen, Mr. Hollis Harris, Saddle West, No to Abuse/Assemblyman James Oscarson, Pahrump Valley Winery, Pioneer Territory CASA, Inspirations Senior Living, Desert View Hospital, Lillian Donahue Esq., Pahrump Family Dental, Fidelis Christian Church, St. Martin's in the Desert Episcopal Church, Valley Electric Association, Dr. Mirit Avram, Southwest Medical Center, Nevada Silver Tappers, Ms. Senior Golden Years, Willi Baer, Maddie Miller Avon Rep., Glenda Knight and Today's Image Salon, CCA –Nevada So. Detention Center, Mountain Falls Grill.

We would also like to thank all in attendance. We hope you had a great time and bring your friends with you next year. This year's fundraiser was very successful and we are grateful for all the support that enables us to help the people of Pahrump and ensure that no one ends life's journey alone, afraid or in pain.

Thank you!!

Susan Holecheck, Nevada Outreach Manager

Nathan Adelson Hospice

Pahrump chapter of DAV helping local veterans

Happy holidays from the members of Pahrump Chapter 15 of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

One common factor among our members is they have suffered a disability as a direct result of their service to our country. Another factor is their dedication to DAV's Mission Statement which reads in part:

"We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America's injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life."

During the past year Pahrump Chapter 15 has: assisted 1,123 veterans who are seeking the benefits they deserve; our service officers have filed and provided follow-ups on 220 VA benefit claims; provided wheelchairs to veterans in need; driven 21,517 miles transporting 935 veterans to medical appointments; and provided assistance to the many homeless veterans in the area. If you are a veteran in need, the family of a veteran in need of assistance, or a disabled veteran interested in working with Chapter 15, please contact us by phone at: 775-537-5051, or online at: www.dav15nv.org.

Carl Jones, Commander

Disabled American Veterans Pahrump Chapter 15

Federal government not aware of real inflation

From what I hear on the news and read, those of us on fixed incomes who receive Social Security payments will not be getting a COLA (cost of living adjustment) this coming year, along with the military and those on disability. The main reason I hear and read online is because the price of fuel has gone down so there is no inflation.

I find that very interesting because in 2010 and 2011 when we got no increases and the cost of fuel went up 50 percent and 49 percent for those years, and if I remember correctly, they said there was no inflation then because the cost of housing went down. So, housing goes down but fuel goes up, no inflation. Now, because fuel went down 45 percent but housing costs went up, no inflation.

So what is counted toward inflation? According to the government, food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services are the categories.

Now I do not know about anyone else, but some of these things I see have consistently gone up but the government evidently does not see it. Food – up and if the price is not up the size is reduced, which to me is inflation; housing cost – up; apparel – up; transportation (fuel – down, new car – up, insurance – up, auto registration – up, the rest - ?); medical care – up); recreation (TV and cable – up, sports tickets – up); education and communication (tuition – up, postage –up, phone services - ?); and other goods and services (tobacco – up, personal services - ?, utilities – up, others -?).

Of the ones I listed I see more up than down or staying the same.

Now the real proof of no inflation will be if government employees and elected officials do not get a raise of any kind.

Bruce Kline