Letters to the editor Feb. 20

State workers have been

hit enough already

It is commendable that the Legislature take a 4.6 percent pay cut for the four months that they work if they choose. I'm sure the other year and eight months they are paid their full salary from the permanent job. Their per diem expenses more than cover this loss.

The state workers, come July, will have taken a furlough day, 4.6 percent, no merit increases, no cost of living increase or longevity pay for two years. Now you want to give back our furlough day and cut us 5 percent more. Add the fact that gas, food, utility, health costs and now our retirement costs have gone up substantially. Our deduction went from $250 to $2,000 with less benefits, especially in dental and vision.

Teachers comprise 55 percent of the state budget and they have not taken one furlough day or cut in salary, plus they get benefits for the full year while they work nine months.

The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation and the Nevada Department of Transportation agencies are 90 percent federally funded, so are not paid by the state. Their impact has not affected the deficit at all. Where did the money from all the other agencies go to since the deficit has gone up instead of down?

Recently it was noted that one out of every nine people in Nevada are illegal immigrants. Who is paying their unemployment, benefits and welfare, Sen. Reid?

Carol Miller

Carson City

State shouldn't spend resources it doesn't have

I recently read the article about Sen. Sheila Leslie searching for aid for her raccoon problem in her southwest Reno district.

As the owner and operator of Carson Creature Catchers, a nuisance wildlife control company, I would like to make it known that there are small businesses such as mine that have trained professionals that are licensed and insured and available to deal with wildlife issues such as Ms. Leslie described.

Furthermore, I pay into the tax base of the state and local counties as a small business owner. I don't consider it prudent in these economic times to ask an already financially stressed state agency to expend resources they don't have, and do something that would eventually lead to direct competition with a private local business.

Heather Lackey

Carson City

Police doing great

job against gangs

It's been a long time since we've read about gang activity in Carson City. At one time, gang shootings, killings, gang parties and gang fights were weekly or daily news.

The reason you are not seeing gangs in Carson City making the news is because our sheriff's department has done, and is doing a great job. Diligent efforts by our sheriff and all his deputies has led to the arrest, incarceration and deportation of most of our worst gang members and many have just left town. When gang activity was out of control, many people wrote into the paper blaming our police department for all the gang activity in town. I want to thank our sheriff's department for doing such a fine job in making Carson City safe once again.

Hopefully, a zero-tolerance policy toward gang members will continue, as well as tough sentencing by our local judges toward known gang members.

Gang activity is a social problem that starts at home. It's the responsibility of parents to monitor their children's activity and make sure that they are not associating with gang members. We, as parents, are the ones who are really responsible to stop the gang problems.

Victor Bruno

Carson City