Letter: We need leaders who will stop growth

Thursday, March 8, 2007 | 7:16 a.m.

Regarding the Las Vegas Sun's March 6 story, "Land for development is in short supply":

Gov. Jim Gibbons is showing his inability to lead Nevada, once again, by calling on the federal government to release more public land for development.

Residential developers have used up about 5,400 acres for each of the last three years, according to real estate consultant RGR Group of Las Vegas. The Sun's story goes on to state: "At that pace, available tracts will dry up be early 2013, RGR said."

Isn't "dry up" a very critical phrase? Aren't we very dried up now?

Has Gibbons looked at the "bathtub ring" around Lake Mead lately? Does he feel it is right for the Southern Nevada Water Authority to take water from other areas of the state and possibly destroy the areas where other Nevadans live and work, and where we, from Southern Nevada, go to soak in the beauty of the region, to fish and hunt and enjoy nature with our families?

Water is gold in Nevada and it is not ours to steal.

We need leaders who will act responsibly and finally put a moratorium on Southern Nevada's growth. Sen. Harry Reid seems to have a grasp on this situation and, hopefully, will rise above the wants of developers.

Residents of Southern Nevada have answered the pleas for conservation, and what has happened? Our water rates have gone up and will go up more. The water shortage becomes more critical with each passing day.

Our elected officials must lead responsibly. Developers and builders were not on the election ballot, though from the looks of things you'd never know it.

Pat Cole, Las Vegas