Letters to the Editor

Editor:

I went to downtown Minden thinking I would find the first farmers market of the season. I don't know maybe it was too early, but there really was nothing there. No tri-tip sandwiches, no fresh bread, no corn or any other veggies. It looked like a flea market more than a farmers market.

Andrea Schaefer

Gardnerville

Editor:

A couple of weeks ago I contacted the Library of Congress and inquired "How did it get approved, and when, that the taxpayer would pay for the leasing of automobiles for House members?" A lovely lady called me this morning with the following information. She admitted she was appalled that a taxpayer should pay for this as it is listed as "office expense."

Anthony Weiner, D-New York, drives a 2009 Chevrolet Impala $219 per month; Michael McNulty, D-New York, drives a 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid for $816 per month; Charles Rangel, D-New York, drives 2004 Cadillac DeVille $777.54 per month with a 300 hp engine that seats five people and a desk.

Modest or more luxurious, the cars are all paid for by taxpayers. The use of a car " gas included " is one of the benefits of being a member of the House of Representatives.

There are few restrictions on what kind of car the members can choose, and there is no limit on how much they can spend. But the benefit can be politically sensitive, given the growing concerns about automobile emissions and an economy that has left many people struggling to pay for the rapidly rising cost of gas, which was averaging $3.63 a gallon nationwide earlier this week.

Not only does the federal government pick up the cost of the lease and the gas, but also general maintenance, insurance, registration fees and excess mileage charges.

The perk itself may draw heightened attention in the coming weeks as members of Congress consider proposals to address gas prices, including one to suspend temporarily the federal excise tax on gasoline, 18.4 cents a gallon.

Congressional records show that about 125 members of the House make use of the benefit, which has been in place since at least the 1980s and is part of the allowance provided for their office operations. They include Representatives Charlie Melancon, D-La., (2007 Chevy Tahoe), Bobby L. Rush of Illinois (2007 Lincoln Navigator) and Alcee L. Hastings of Florida (2006 Infiniti M45).

The Senate does not permit its members to lease cars with public money.

Zona Neighbors

Gardnerville

Editor:

On behalf of the Carson Valley Trails Association, I want to thank the community for generously supporting our recent second annual Hike for Health fundraising celebration. The funds raised by this event will support association's ongoing work to access, build and maintain trails for all to enjoy.

I also would like to thank the many people who have taken an active part in association's 10-year strategic planning process Through stakeholder interviews, surveys, community organization questionnaires and public community workshops, we are gathering valuable information that will help us make sure that our efforts are meeting the hiking, biking and equestrian needs of the Carson Valley community.

For a complete list of all of our Hike for Health event sponsors and auction donors, as well as details about our strategic planning process, I invite you to visit the association Web site, www.carsonvalleytrails.org.

Kerstin Wolle

Gardnerville

Editor:

We who live here in Carson Valley are truly blessed. We have breathtaking views, friendly people and very special health care professionals. After a year of scans, chemo, surgery and a lot of prayers, I am now cancer-free.

At times, I didn't feel very well but everyone I encountered at Carson Valley Medical Center and Minden Imaging Department was so caring, compassionate, and encouraging. I just want to say thank you to them all.

From the emergency room, to the lab, to the imaging department., and especially the infusion center " thank you. The nurses and Fred must be angels in disguise " always a hug, always a smile, and always very thorough. Thank you and a big hug to all of you. I will always be grateful. God bless you all.

Bonnie Keesecker

Wellington

Editor:

On May 5, the China Spring Youth Camp/Aurora Pines Girls Facility held its annual golf tournament at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.

On behalf of all the staff at the camp we wish to personally thank the following individuals who contributed to this successful fundraiser.

Sincere gratitude to Park Cattle Co., Randy Fox, and Brad Nelson for allowing us to have this fundraiser in such a beautiful, first-class location; the Edgewood staff who were there to help make this a success; the Carson Valley Inn who, for the last 16 years, has co-sponsored this event and provided all the hole-in-one prizes, and to Terry and Linda Pfaff from Magic Stitches.

Special thanks to all our hole sponsors who included: Arby's, Bison Construction, Carson Valley Accounting, Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff's Protective Association, J.P. Chadom Jewelers, J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room, Ron Cauley, Mary Foster Havercamp, Michael Hohl, Northwest Martial Arts, Peter N. Costa, M.D., The Record-Courier, Renee and Herbert Schilling, Resource Development Company, Rotary Club of Minden, Scott Doyle, Stacy Trivett, Carson Valley Allstate, Syncon Homes, Sysco Food Service and Werner Christen.

Thank you to all the players who played, many who have played in this tournament for the last 16 years.

Without everyone's help this event would not have been possible.

Steven J. Thaler

China Spring Youth Camp Director