Where I Stand — Ruthe Deskin: Water-saving toilet mechanisms should be flushed

Tuesday, June 16, 1998 | 11:10 a.m.

IT'S NOT a subject for polite conversation.

I wouldn't even bring it up except that the Southern Nevada Coalition 2000 triggered a remote area of my brain where I store pet peeves.

The coalition has kicked off an all-encompassing water-conservation campaign that includes tips for home conservation.

One of those suggestions is to "replace one leaking toilet flapper."

I don't know what a "toilet flapper" is, but I do know that about a year ago I joined others in a responsible effort to save water. The advice came from the Las Vegas Valley Water District, among others.

We were told we should replace the old bulb-type mechanism in our toilets with a water-saving device that would save water and cut down on water bills, all at the same time.

I called a plumber, who came to my home and replaced the old system with what he claimed was the very latest in toilet gadgetry. He took the old units with him, and if the stories I have heard circulating around the toilet scene are true, those old units are worth their weight in gold -- everyone wants them back.

The problem with the new water-saving device is that the toilet doesn't flush properly. Now, instead of one flush, I have to repeat the procedure two and three times, thus using twice as much water as I did before.

It's just one of life's little annoyances, but I thought the Southern Nevada Coalition should know. Maybe coalition members can find me an old bulb-flush system so that I can help them in their very worthy efforts to conserve our precious water.

The situation with UNLV Athletic Director Charles Cavagnaro and his alleged propensity for using words that are not quite politically correct is still on the front burner.

It comes as no surprise that community activists who are trying to enlist interest from the Board of Regents are being stonewalled.

The remark of one regent, "Frankly, the whole thing is a sham and shouldn't be played up in the press," is a cop-out.

Surely, regents should have access to any information involving the credibility of our university system. If such information is withheld from them as a "personnel" issue, they should ask for a full report.

I have to agree with Gary Peck, ACLU chapter head, who said: "They (the regents ) have a responsibility to ensure that our public institutions of higher learning are places where everyone can feel welcome and comfortable, and that the leaders inspire the public's confidence."

All this "backing off" by the regents reminds me of the Maxson-Tarkanian days when everything got out of hand because the regents were reluctant to plow in and assume control.

Nancy Williams, an author and longtime advocate for children, is recovering from surgery.

Williams was one of the mainstays of the juvenile justice system for many, many years at Child Haven and Family and Youth Services. She is the author of several books of poetry, written since her retirement.

The children she befriended, her former fellow workers and many friends are joined in wishing her well.

It seems Southern Nevada Zoo director Pat Dingle plans to sponsor the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Talent Search this summer, but PETA, the animal-protection organization, has urged him to reconsider.

Hot dogs are made from little piglets, and Oscar Mayer sells hot dogs and other meat products.

PETA has pledged to "dog the wienermobile" as it makes its run throughout the country.

My advice to Dingle would be to save his energy for some other type of promotion and bid a fond adieu to the wienermobile. That's a lot simpler than tangling with PETA -- just ask Bobby Borsini.

The congressional hearings on organ transplants should provide some very emotional moments.

What was once an ethical problem of the medical fraternity has now entered the political realm. The debate will center on how best to distribute harvested organs.

The very nature of removing organs from brain-dead individuals is a touchy subject and will be highlighted by a lawsuit filed in Florida by a mother who claims she never gave permission for her child's organs to be removed.

In some cases, money is the bottom line. Large transplant centers vie with smaller facilities, some of which have hired public-relations firms to lobby on the question of who should get transplants.

The hearings will begin Thursday.

Thank you, Jerry Lewis.

Bernie Allen has been a favorite of Las Vegans for many years. His delightful comedy and puckish charm have brought laughter to thousands. When he appeared on the stage at the "Oldtimer's dinner," he was the hit of the evening.

The trouble is, unless you've had the good fortune of knowing Bernie, you can't really appreciate his tremendous comedic talents.

That's why I was so happy to read the tribute paid Bernie by one of show business' brightest stars, Jerry Lewis.

If anyone can promote the life story of Bernie Allen, it's his good friend, Lewis.

Grin for the day from W.E. Morgan:

"After much research, historians have discovered why Robin Hood stole from the rich -- the poor didn't have any money."