Letters to the editor 8-6

Sparks official defends

park facility policies

I am writing in response to a recent column by Darrell Moody. Mr. Moody obviously had some concerns about the operational policies at Golden Eagle Regional Park in Sparks. His comments in his column are unfounded and irresponsible.

There are no controls on participants or spectators bringing water into the park. Teams are welcome to carry jugs or coolers of water into the facility for their players. Even the umpires are afforded the same privilege. What are excluded are ice chests that may or may not be concealing other food or drink items.

The city has recently executed a long-term agreement with a contractor to provide the concessions at the site. In addition to a lease payment, the contractor will invest the million-plus dollars of tenant improvements necessary to offer a quality service. The agreement would never have been executed if the contractor did not have an exclusive right to provide the food and beverages. I wonder if Mr. Moody brings in his own pizza to Round Table? The city will continue to do what we can to ensure our partner is successful and protect their right to exclusivity.

Mr. Moody described our policy as "money hungry." Local government is struggling to provide the highest level of services that we can afford. When the opportunity arises that can generate operational funds without burdening the taxpayer any further, we will take advantage of it.

Stan Sherer, Director

Sparks Parks and Recreation

Canadian health care

video recommended

It would behoove everyone to watch a video at www.PJTV.com and click on "Canadian Health Care - Exposed." This was e-mailed to me from a lady in Canada.

You can be the judge if this is what you want imposed upon you. As suggested, I did write to our elected officials and stated I would be happy to have the same health care that they, themselves, receive. Since we pay for their perks, we should enjoy the same. I also requested a reply.

We received a petition to sign and return to AARP asking John Ensign, Dean Heller and Harry Reid for a better health care program. I am all for a better plan, but AARP neglected to mention that out of the 46 million people without health care, over 9 million are immigrants or "illegal" aliens. They also neglected to mention that out of the 46 million, over 17 million elected NOT to accept health care offered by their employer (since they would have to pay for a portion) or just refused to purchase their own insurance.

Please write your elected officials, and after viewing that video, make your own decision as to what care you want. You should also ask that all bills be read before any vote is taken. You can reach the president and Congress by going to www.congress.org. Just be aware of what your future will be if this proposed insurance program is implemented.

Zona Neighbors

Gardnerville