To clarify a point made by LericGoodman: At Clark County, management compensation is NOT linked to rank-and-file employee compensation, and it hasn't been for at least the last decade. The editorial spells out what rank-and-file compensation has been these past three years. During that same period, management compensation has DECREASED 1.1 percent. What management has sought from the employees is very reasonable, particularly so, I believe, in light of our own example.

This administration is offering 16 percent less money for the care of abused and neglected children. Mr. Willden would like the public and the media to include the governor's proposed "incentive" money in the tally. But that's just foolish accounting, especially since communication (in the form of an email) from this administration indicates the "incentive" money will not be available until 2013, meaning a shortfall in the interim. This "incentive" program is fundamentally flawed in that it offers "rewards" for success while removing the tools one needs to achieve that success. It is regretable that such accounting tricks would be employed when the lives of children are at stake. We recognize that the state faces financial difficulties, but I think most reasonable people can agree that funding for abused and neglected children should be a priority.

What this story omits is important: Groups need to provide us with transparent information about their revenues and expenses so we can determine appropriate contract terms. That did not happen, so we were forced to rely upon our existing structure of fees. In the end, the organizers cancelled this event. The County would welcome it back if we could come to terms.

Erik Pappa
Director of Public Communications
Clark County

The changes improve and update the County's work card regulations. For example, the amendment eliminates the requirement for work cards for 13 occupations that already require separate background checks -- eliminating a duplication of effort by local government agencies which will save time and money for taxpayers. So locksmiths and burglar alarm installers are still getting background investigations on behalf of Clark County or a state agency. These new work card regulations improve efficiency and remove barriers to employment.

See part of Millicent Rosen Siegel interview conducted by Clark County Television (CCTV) Channel 4 here: http://www.youtube.com/user/ClarkCountyN...

It should be noted that Clark County simply passed along a list of projects submitted by each jurisdiction and did not weigh in on the relative merits of each project. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that Clark County necessarily supports each project on the list.

Erik Pappa
Director of Public Communications
Clark County

Thanks for helping clarify yesterday's story. The salient points are these: In a high-turnout election, the Election Department routinely releases updated results every 45 minutes. While the registrar could have released the results 10 minutes sooner than he did, the registrar was delayed by two local television stations who had scheduled live, on-camera interviews. That delay on the stations' part was prompted, understandably, by a candidate's victory speech, which the stations chose to carry live. I suppose one might question whether the registrar should have given the interviews, but it is the county's practice to make its representatives available to the media in an effort to be transparent -- especially in a matter as important as an election. In any case, today's story helps clarify some of the points missing from yesterday's account.

Erik Pappa
Director of Public Communications
Clark County

What needs to be noted is that Ms. Valentine paid for the Nevada Partnership table using her own personal funds. Additionally, she no longer serves on the Partnership's board of directors.

Erik Pappa
Director of Public Communications
Clark County

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada is not a Clark County government agency. It is a separate legal entity. Additionally, it is the RTC that has a contract with Outdoor Promotions, not the county.

Erik Pappa
Director of Public Communications
Clark County

I think it is worth noting that Clark County government was never involved in administering this account. This account was under the Clerk’s Office until January 2007, when it was transferred to the State of Nevada’s Eighth Judicial Court. The court and the Clerk’s Office are both headed by independently elected officials, who set their own priorities for their organizations.