Letters to the editor Jan. 1

Give Nevada jobs

to Nevada workers

I don't understand what's going on with the project that has started over by the new Boys and Girls Club. I have been out of work for a year, yet when I visited the work site again, I finally talked to the framing contractor about employment. He told me they were not hiring any local carpenters for the project, all from out of state.

What about us unemployed skilled trade craftsmen? Hire us local boys to fill the jobs locally.

Is this a sign of things to come when they start the Nugget project? Maybe I should thank your senator for bringing jobs to Nevada.

James Weir

Carson City

Inmate trusties deserve recognition for work

In reading the article about Helen Wiemer retiring as the Governor's Mansion coordinator, I was impressed by her statement about the importance of inmate trusties at the mansion.

She said the trusties were the key to success at the mansion. Rarely are inmate trusties thanked or praised for what they do. Thank you, Helen, for acknowledging the importance inmate trusties play at the mansion.

As the painter for the state of Nevada, I spend a lot of time year after year painting at the mansion. I know the inmate trusties who work there; they do a great job and save the state a fortune in labor cost. But inmate labor does not stop at the mansion. This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of meeting Gov.-elect Sandoval. He thanked me for painting his office; he also thanked and shook hands with my two helpers. I could not have done the job without them. Both my helpers are inmate trusties.

I have painted the interior of the Reno and Carson DMVs, the interior of the Reno NHP, and numerous other jobs with about 80 percent inmate labor, at a great savings to the state. Let's not forget all the money saved by the hard work of the inmate fire crews.

When the newly elected governor steps up on the freshly painted platform on the steps of the Capitol building, the platform was built by the state Buildings and Grounds crew, along with inmate trusties.

Victor Bruno

Carson City