Letters to the editor for Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016

Election letters policy: Letters about the 2016 general election need to be turned into the Nevada Appeal by noon on Thursday, Oct. 20. Letters must include the writer’s name, address and phone number and be no more than 250 words. The Appeal reserves the right to edit them. Letters also may appear at nevadaappeal.com. • Only one letter can be submitted every 30 days. • Mail it to Letters to the Editor, Nevada Appeal, 580 Mallory Way, Carson City, NV 89701. • Send emails to editor@nevadaappeal.com.

Alzheimer’s research should be priority this election

Elected officials are able to change the trajectory of our country for years to come, but one problem will outlast them: Alzheimer’s disease.

It is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to triple over the next generation. It is not only a public health crisis, but a threat to our economic security. Every 66 seconds someone in the U.S. develops the disease and it is costing taxpayers $18.3 million every hour.

I am the facilitator for the Alzheimer’s support group in Carson. We meet monthly and there are always people whose loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. These new caregivers are confused and overcome with grief. “This is not the man I married 50 years ago; how do I take care of him?” “I have now become my mother’s mother; I don’t know who she is or where to turn for help.”

Last year, more than 143,000 Nevadans gave 162 million hours of unpaid care to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. That time is valued at more than $1.9 billion. This epidemic is attacking our familial and financial security, but are lawmakers responding?

Increases have been made to fund research in the last two years, but it is not enough. Alzheimer’s isn’t a red or blue issue — it impacts all of us.

Ask all candidates what they intend to do about this crisis. Alzheimer’s and the research to find a cure need to be a priority.

Visit the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org for more information and to get involved.

Barbara Singer

Carson City

Trump’s leadership skills strong through controversy

If the media had published the indiscretions of our most revered presidents, how different would our country be today!

FDR, JFK,and Reagan ( before Nancy) all had peccadilloes. Then the issues mattered, not what they did in their private life.

Then along came Bill. He continued his despicable behavior while president, and still the public did not care, because the economy was thriving. Now we are to believe Mr. Trump’s words regarding women (not assaults on women) will lessen his ability as a leader.

Let’s be honest! When men and women get together they talk of “hotties” just as in songs and movies. I care about a man who can fix the economy, keep us safe, and make America great again.

We have two choices. A seasoned politician with a checkered past, or a self-made billionaire who has created jobs for Americans.

Inga Silver

Carson City

Where do candidates stand on Vintage project?

Regarding candidates make their cases on Sunday, Oct. 9, I find it disturbing and fascinating that the politicians running for office here in Carson City — Mayor, Board of Supervisors — have not publicly stated if they will support the Vintage project.

While they will try to side step if they are supporting the project or willing to reject it, I think they should vote on this before the elections so residents can decide who to support or who to throw out of office.

Gentlemen, show your true colors!

David Montgomery

Carson City

Columnists lacks insight on political discourse

With regard to Guy Farmer’s recent column, “Kaine vs. Pence — a real debate,” the column merely recited the opinions expressed and discussed repeatedly in virtually every media outlet. Mr. Farmer did not provide any new insights on the issues presented by the debate.

Of most concern to me generally is the fact that in this opinion column, and in many of Mr. Farmer’s columns, the ideas expressed represent only one viewpoint and disregard, often disparagingly, opposing points of view.

My suggestion to the Nevada Appeal is that they reserve the “commentary” column for pieces that add new and fresh ideas to the political and social dialog. I would like to read something that is both well-researched and well-reasoned.

Let’s keep the opinions that simply repeat commonly heard social and political commentary in the letters to the editor portion of the paper.

Angela Bullentini Wolf

Carson City

Prison preservation nonprofit in need of support

In response to Donald Paetz’s letter to the editor, thank you, Mr. Paetz, for acknowledging the fact that our capital city needs more tourist attractions and that the Nevada State Prison is an excellent choice to add to the existing attractions.

Yes, it seems like the only times the prison is open is when there are special events, however the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society has conducted multiple unadvertised private group tours due to our inability to open on a permanent basis with volunteers. We were recently informed that we need a Change in Use permit — current authorization is for inmate housing, not public tours. The cost for this permit is a cool $17,000 just for submission of architectural plans followed by an application fee and potential modifications.

Unfortunately we don’t have $17,000 to begin this process.

As a nonprofit, grass roots effort promoting history and education, we are fundraising with one hundred percent of our board committing monetary donations, holding lectures, requesting donations and forwarding letters to members and supporters requesting help to raise the necessary funds to begin architectural work.

Donations are being gratefully accepted at NSPPS, Post Office Box 1991, Carson City, NV 89702-1991.

Please know we are active and working behind the scenes to get this potential tourist attraction open as soon as possible!

Didi Chaney

Secretary, NSPPS