Letter: Public’s money should be spent more cautiously

Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005 | 9:25 a.m.

After hearing of the suggested $600,000 salary for a new "superstar" superintendent of the Clark County School District, I have determined that everyone has gone mad. Let's throw as much money as we can at every problem that we can. That always solves things, doesn't it?

How about we call back Rollie Massimino, the former head coach of UNLV's basketball team. Throwing a lot of money at that issue solved the problem. No wait, I have a better idea. Let's recall Bob Snow, the man who developed Main Street Station, from Florida. Giving him a lot of public money really changed things. Hold on, I have another brilliant idea. How about getting the construction company from the Regional Justice Center to consult with us? They did a fine job of managing our money and completing things on time.

Throwing a lot of money around has never helped. We rewarded former Superintendent Carlos Garcia every year with raises, and for what? Nothing but a whole lot of mediocrity. It is time elected, appointed and hired individuals stand up and accept excellence and integrity in their respective organizations and be men or women of stature, not politicos looking for the next "golden parachute" they can accumulate.

Let us start paying for performance rather than attendance.

ANTHONY WISH