Letter: Move over, Midwest: How’s this for solid?

Terry Cox

Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007 | 1:15 a.m.

I was very interested in the Las Vegas Sun's Nov. 15 story about the Brookings Institution and its study of the growing power and influence of the Intermountain West.

If it's true that this region is rapidly replacing the Midwest as the nation's heartland, then the good people of Nevada can breathe a giant sigh of relief. One, we can take great pride in our "diverse" economy. Nevada isn't now, and never has been, dominated by one industry. No, sir, diversity is our middle name.

Two, we are awash with progressive, forward-looking politicians. Gov. Jim "I May Be An Empty Suit But I'll Never Raise Your Taxes" Gibbons is the man we want at the helm during these rapidly changing times. He is truly a man of ideas. (Calling him a man of idea would be closer to the truth, but English teachers all over the valley would be up in arms.)

If Big Jim should falter, the residents of Vegas know that Mayor Oscar Goodman is there in a pinch. What says progress like a good martini, a couple of showgirls and an Elvis impersonator? So relax, citizens of Nevada. We're in good/safe hands.

Terry Cox,Henderson