Letters to the editor for Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014

Nevada shows Washington, D.C. the way

Gov. Sandoval, a Republican, and a unanimous Nevada legislature led by Speaker Kirkpatrick, a Democrat, are congratulated on passage of the Tesla-enabling legislation. While the Tesla deal has risks, it can be a huge step forward for Nevada’s economic recovery and business diversity.

In contrast, Washington remains mired in toxic dysfunction. The intimidating influence of the Tea Party on House Republicans and the hyper-partisanship of Harry Reid in the Senate have resulted in gridlock. Rigid party polarization can be overcome. Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton demonstrated that it takes vision and skill to maximize common ground. Reagan worked with Speaker Tip O’Neill on the “grand bargain” extending Social Security solvency and with Dan Rostenkowski on tax reform, while Clinton worked with Newt Gingrich to reform welfare, cut taxes and restrain Medicare spending.

Both parties now agree on the need for tax reform and are close to a framework. There is common ground on the need to reform farm subsidies and “corporate welfare.” Missing is presidential leadership. Gov. Romney had experience as a chief executive reaching compromise with a Democratic legislature. President Obama has no similar experience and must learn to build coalitions where there is common ground.

The sign on Gov. Sandoval’s desk reads: “It CAN be done.” Nevada has shown the way.

Jim Hartman

Genoa

Traffic laws mean nothing to Northern Nevada drivers

The folks in Northern Nevada would never think of shoplifting at a store, nor stealing from a neighbor. But 90 percent of these honest folks get in their car and laws mean nothing. Just like there was no such think as a traffic law.

Stop signs are to be run, right turn on a red light means no stop. Turn signals are not to be used, might run the battery down. Make like the hamburger place, in and out, no signals. And as they speed along, 15-20 miles over the speed limit, they will tell you on their cell phone what good drivers they are.

And what makes you think I am going to slow down just because the warning lights are on in the school zone? We don’t need these traffic laws.

Bill Beil

Carson City