EDITORIAL: Having A Say Is Never A Waste Of Time

This week’s edition of the Progress contains a lengthy article  introducing our readership to a number of local residents who have applied to serve on our local Town Advisory Boards (TABs). This group of applicants will form a pool from which our upcoming TAB members may be appointed next month by the County Commission.

There are many in the community who would downplay the importance of our TABs. Many feel that the TABs, having no final decision-making authority, are a waste of time. It is true that, no matter what the TAB decides, the final word is given by the more distant Clark County Commission. But that doesn’t necessarily make the TABs irrelevant or a waste of time. Their main purpose and value lies in their primary function of advising the Commissioners on the wishes of the community. The opportunity of offering that advice is important, whether the Commissioners choose to heed it or not. Why? Because it is the difference between local residents having a say, or not having a say, in their community governance. Having that say is never a waste of time.

Now in regards to this current crop of TAB applicants: it should be made clear that there has been no formal nomination process bringing these folks forward for consideration. No particular qualifications were required to be in this group. They needed no recommendations from their peers in the community. All that was needed to be on the list was a desire to serve and the ability to fill out a short application.

Even so, many of these candidates do have a rich experience of past public service. To their credit, all of the applicants express a sincere desire to serve and represent the community and to help bring about good results. Indeed, for such a thankless and difficult post as local TAB service, just that desire to serve is a strong qualification for the work at hand.

Unfortunately, what seems to be missing in all of this process is the public. Earlier this year, the Moapa Valley TAB voted to cancel the straw poll which has traditionally allowed the public to weigh in on TAB appointments. The Moapa TAB never could get a quorum together to meet and discuss whether a straw poll vote should be held. The result is that the public has been largely removed from the TAB appointment process. This leaves the Commissioners largely to their own devices in deciding who should sit on the TABS and advise them on the wishes of the communities.

If the chief value of the TAB is to advise Commissioners of our wishes, shouldn’t we have some input into who should serve us in that capacity? It is true that, by statute, the County Commission alone has the power to make the TAB appointments. Indeed they may do so apart from any input they receive from us. But should that prevent us from giving our input anyway? No. Having a say is never a waste of time, whether it is heeded or not.

In the absence of the more convenient straw poll, it is our recommendation that all Moapa and Moapa Valley residents provide input into this matter by doing things the old fashioned way: by picking up the phone and contacting their elected Commissioners. Given the circumstances this is really the only option for the public in giving its input to this important matter.

The names of all the applicants, along with the information that each one has provided about him/herself, is supplied to the public in this edition. We invite our readership to review it carefully and then provide input by phoning or emailing the Commissioner(s).

Those residing in District B (Logandale and Moapa) may contact Commissioner Tom Collins. To his credit we have always found him accessible and approachable. Input may be formally made to his office by calling (702) 455-3500 or by email at ccdistb@ClarkCountyNV.gov.

Those living in District A (Overton) should phone the office of Commissioner Steve Sisolak by calling (702) 455-3500, or by email at ccdista@ClarkCountyNV.gov. .

In the process of providing input, you might specifically list the names of those applicants that you would like to see serve on the TAB. Where strong feelings exist, it might also be appropriate to specify those on the list who you feel should NOT be appointed.

Either way the residents of Moapa Valley should insist on asserting their input into this important matter. Yes, this method of having a say is more difficult, uncomfortable and time consuming than the old straw poll. But the importance of the issue should outweigh the inconvenience. And even if our advice is not heeded, having a say in our local governance is never a waste of time.