Letter: Take control of power company for public good

Thursday, June 13, 2002 | 8:48 a.m.

The debacle that the public and the varied government entities here in Southern Nevada have witnessed with Nevada Power would be funny if it weren't so tragic. It requires only infinite stupidity to lose money in a growing market in which you have a monopoly.

Since I do not believe that the people who bought Nevada Power are stupid, I must assume that there was some other motive for their actions. That motive was profit. The speculation and risk involved with the energy contracts they bought was a huge gamble and they lost.

And if that was the end of the story it wouldn't be an issue, but these clowns have created an economic storm that now threatens all of us here in Southern Nevada. It goes against my grain to ask for bigger government, but in this case I think it is the only reasonable solution.

It is time for our public officials to take the necessary action to stabilize the power situation. I would suggest that the Southern Nevada Water Authority, which is comprised of representatives from all of the governmental entities here in Southern Nevada, explore as quickly as possible the option of buying back Nevada Power from Sierra Pacific Power.

If it is necessary to put a question on the ballot this fall to provide direction from the public then so be it, but let's get on with it. The public interest should be the paramount issue that compels us to take action.

DAVID BAKER