Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels: It's your turn to sound off on issues

With just a little more than three months until Election Day, there sure hasn't been much talk about the issues between President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

While both candidates and various political interest groups spend billions on attack ads, the issues don't seem to be on the minds of the candidates.

The Nevada Appeal would like to change that. And we need you - our loyal readers - to help us.

Let's have an open and civil discussion about the important issues facing our country.

The Appeal is seeking submissions from readers about the issues that affect you the most. Tell us - in 75 words or less - what issue is the most important to you and why. Is it health care? The economy? Immigration? Or something else?

Submissions can be sent to editor@nevadaappeal.com with the subject line "Election 2012." Or write to Editor at 580 Mallory Way, Carson City, NV 89701. Submissions also can be dropped off at the Nevada Appeal, 580 Mallory Way.

Submissions must include full name, age, city of residence and a telephone number for verification purposes. Submissions will be accepted through Aug. 22 and will run in the Appeal on Aug. 26.

The Appeal reserves the right to edit entries. Remember, keep it civil, and no mud-slinging or name-calling.

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The Nevada Appeal's Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels feature recognizes positive achievements from the capital region and, when warranted, points out others that missed the mark.

SILVER DOLLAR: To the U.S. Forest Service, the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association and various volunteers for their work restoring a network of bike trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin. TAMBA plans to spend a couple of more days this month working on the trails. To volunteer, go to mountainbiketahoe.org.

SILVER DOLLAR: To the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for reversing its decision to ignore the recommendations of the state Sage Grouse Advisory Committee on how best to protect and nurture the species without designating it as "endangered," which would affect mining and ranching. The committee was irked by the initial BLM decision to ignore the committee's advice and instead rely on old maps and data. We're glad the feds saw the light.