Opinion

Editorials »

Time to look south: Lawmakers, governor need to pave way for Nevada’s future; As the Legislature rushes to close its business in the final two weeks of its session, lawmakers and Gov. Brian Sandoval need to remember one thing: Southern Nevada is the state’s economic engine, and what’s good for Las Vegas is good for the state as a whole. Clark County provides the bulk of the state’s tax revenue and the jobs, is home to nearly two-thirds of the citizens of Nevada, and should be the focus of the state’s attention. But you wouldn’t always recognize that by the debate in Carson City.

More work to do: Improving mental health care has to become a priority for Nevada; The discharge-to-Greyhound situation is just a part of a larger problem. The state has long short-changed mental health budgets, action that has been buoyed by a pervasive attitude that has downplayed or dismissed the seriousness of the situation.

Past editorials »

Smith’s World

Latest editorial cartoon by Mike Smith, plus archives since 1998 »

Columnists »

Where I Stand »

Our Legislature needs to step up and get the job done

I have been one of those Nevadans who believed that the Legislature should meet no more than every two years and for no more than a specific amount of time. The theory has been that when forced to do the work, legislators will get it done and leave the good people of Nevada alone the rest of the time. I was wrong.
Better have a good reason if you forgot Mother’s Day
Anger after the explosion’s fallout

J. Patrick Coolican »

Why Nevada Democrats’ Fun Tax is the New Coke of politics

The Mini-Golf Tax. The “Iron Man” Tax. The Burning Man Tax. I’m pretty sure most Nevadans enjoy one or more of those activities, which means if Democrats in the Legislature pass their new Nevada Entertainment and Admissions Tax, every Nevadan will curse them when they try to enjoy themselves on the weekend after a long workweek.
Why Nevada needs to look at Dotty’s one way, sports book kiosks another
To citizen legislator Mo Denis: Don’t forget about the rest of us citizens

Letters to the Editor

E-mail your submission. Letters to the editor should be no more than 250 words and include the writer’s name, address and telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Benghazi scandal is manufactured: I keep hearing Republican politicians saying, “The American people want to know what happened in Benghazi.”; Continues…; James Witherspoon, Las Vegas
Implement lottery in lieu of taxes: Do you think it is time for a lottery in this state?; Continues…; Bruce Karley, Las Vegas
Bill would improve voting process: We should do everything we can to ensure that voter rolls are up to date so that the integrity of the vote is protected in Nevada.; Continues…; Kara Freeman, Las Vegas
Las Vegas is fine just the way it is: In response to many who say, “Clean up the Strip,” come on.; Continues…; Judy Allison, Las Vegas
Hits keep coming for Obama team: The Obama administration is unraveling and disintegrating before America’s eyes. The unfolding situation is both a national embarrassment and a disgrace.; Continues…; Bob Jack, North Las Vegas
Long-hauling costs city in credibility: In March, I visited Las Vegas for the sixth time. I was part of a group of seven people getting together. We arrived at different times and took several cabs.; Continues…; Ronald Perron, Toronto, Canada
IRS scandal bad for whole nation: One of the latest scandals out of Washington deals with the Internal Revenue Service willfully targeting conservative groups for audits and inquiries.; Continues…; Carmine A. DiFazio,  North Las Vegas
School District is saving lives: The fact that the Clark County School District is taking action against the possibility of teen suicide and self-harm is commendable.; Continues…; Sara Sunalika Pant, Dallas

Letters archive »

Other Voices »

Our Legislature needs to step up and get the job done

By Brian Greenspun

I have been one of those Nevadans who believed that the Legislature should meet no more than every two years and for no more than a specific amount of time. The theory has been that when forced to do the work, legislators will get it done and leave the good people of Nevada alone the rest of the time. I was wrong.
Many benefits of energy efficiency

Fred Schmidt

NV Energy has demonstrated that it can help its customers cut energy waste. NV Energy spent $267 million on energy efficiency programs during 2007-12 — programs that have enabled households and businesses to lower their electricity use by 1.9 billion kilowatt-hours per year. This amount of savings is equivalent to the electricity use of 34,000 typical Nevada households.
Marriage equality a conservative ideal

Ken Mehlman

What do Vice President Dick Cheney, Gen. Colin Powell, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Clint Eastwood and more than 130 top officials from the Reagan and both Bush administrations have in common?
The loss of Americans’ trust

George Will

Leaving aside the seriousness of lawlessness, and the corruption of our civic culture by the professionally pious, this past week has been amusing. T
Low-wage workers rebel against modern Gatsby

Dorian T. Warren

“Great Gatsby,” meet Raise Up Milwaukee. And New York. And Chicago. And St. Louis. And Detroit.