Commentary by Jim Bagwell: Partner prison with V&T for a unique Old West experience

By now most of you have heard of the City Center downtown project. I have heard it referred to in many ways including the library project. I have mixed emotions about this project.

First of all, like most projects of this type it was hatched in private and sent on its journey quietly to gain momentum. My question is who benefits and who pays? I wonder why the public would pick up any part of the tab for a project that benefits private concerns. Times are tough, but if the project is viable and money can be made, some private entity will support it financially.

Between the water project and this you are looking at more than $100 million. Not chump change, folks. I support infrastructure but not enriching private interests.

On to another project; the V&T Railroad. I always supported the railroad project with this caveat: I will donate privately but don't put it on my taxes. I told Mayor Masayko this on numerous occasions. Well, we have it and it is on my taxes by way of the sales tax, so now I say let us make it better. Here is my suggestion:

Let's encourage the state in its deliberations about the Nevada State Prison. It will likely have to close because of age and the condition within a few years regardless of our interest. Perfect, for the V&T and the city can then acquire the prison. Let's acquire the right of way now to bring the V&T terminus to the prison.

With a remodel and some thought we could turn the prison into the Nevada Territorial Prison Bed and Breakfast and an extension of the Nevada State Museum. With a little imagination you can see the ultimate "Old West" experience involving a night "in prison," a prison breakfast, and the V&T.

Let Las Vegas or Sacramento compete with that. It also would give the tourist a reason to stay and spend in Carson City. Then, a few years later, we could consider a medium-sized convention center in the exercise yard. A logical continuation of a project that could and would benefit the entire city. Before the prison was built, wasn't the area the Warm Springs Hotel anyway? Just a thought.

I don't know about you but going to the "dump" to ride the rails somehow goes against the grain.

• Jim Bagwell of Carson City is a Vietnam veteran and graduate of the FBI National Academy who worked 31 years in law enforcement. He and his wife Lori own Charley's Grilled Subs.