 Innocent until proven guilty stands as a cornerstone of our justice system, ensuring every citizen a fair defense before judgment.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me remind you that due process is not just a legal principle—it’s a cornerstone of the American way of life. Enshrined in our cherished Constitution under the 5th Amendment, it stands as a beacon of our commitment to justice and fairness. Now, as we witness the troubling misuse of our Department of Justice, the FBI, and other local agencies, we must tread carefully. Yes, our law enforcement and public officials must uphold the highest standards of integrity and conduct themselves beyond reproach. But let us not lose sight of the bigger picture: we must guard against the peril of setting a dangerous precedent that could undermine the very foundations of our republic. The suspension of Michele Fiore from her role as Nye County Justice of the Peace puts this principle to the test. Fiore, a former Las Vegas City Council member, is charged with federal fraud, accused of diverting charitable donations for personal use. The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline’s unanimous decision to suspend Fiore underscores the seriousness of these allegations. Yet, Fiore has pleaded not guilty, calling the charges "repugnant" and a "direct attack on [her] character." Until a verdict is reached, Fiore deserves the benefit of the doubt. I hope Nye County residents will resist rushing to judgment. Fiore's guilt or innocence will be determined in court, not by public opinion or cancel culture.  "Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken." Micah 4:4 (NIV) speaks not only to the heart of Christian and American values, but also to the Country we aspire to leave our children.
To be great, we must elect leaders (from County Commissioner to President) with a commitment to integrity of character and competence. Leaders with integrity of character inspire trust and confidence. Do you feel confident? Leaders of competence carry out their duties effectively and responsibly. If your confidence is not shook, it should be. I am reminded whenever I hit a pothole in our deteriorating streets that we as voters, reap what we sow. Why is it that our “anti-corruption politicians” have the worst track records? We will never find rest under our “own vine and fig tree” so long as we fear the character and competence of our leaders. We must pray for our leaders to conduct their personal and professional lives with integrity of character. We must hope they can find the humility to make decisions with evidence, wisdom, and thoughtfulness. And when they fail, “we the people” must shine the light on those moments of weakness and hold them accountable for their actions; but be equally willing to extend the hand of mercy to those leaders with the courage to admit and correct error. Trust is not given; it is earned through consistent integrity and competence.  Homelessness and vagrancy in Pahrump has boiled over into a public safety crisis. Daily stabbings and a homicide yesterday are just the latest in what has been a festering problem no one has wanted to address. When will the County enforce its vagrancy laws and restore public order? Concerns abound among members of the public who wish to safely use Petrack Park for its intended purposes. The town pool is far less safe for families and children as the homeless use the public facility for bathing and personal grooming. While compassion and long-term sustainable solutions are essential, public safety has to be the priority. From Nye County Title 9: 9.05.100: Vagrancy-Unlawful Acts It is unlawful for any person to engage in any of the following acts of vagrancy:
A. Go from house to house begging food, money or other articles, or seek admission to such houses upon frivolous pretext for no other apparent motive than to see who may be therein, or to gain an insight of the premises; B. Keep a place where lost or stolen property is concealed; C. Loiter in or about any toilet open to the public for the purpose of engaging in or soliciting any lewd or lascivious or any unlawful act; D. Refuse to identify himself or herself and to account for his or her presence when requested by any peace officer so to do, if the surrounding circumstances are such as to indicate to a reasonable man that the public safety demands such identification; E. Be found in any public place under the influence of any controlled substance in such a condition that he or she is unable to exercise care for his or her own safety or the safety of others, or by reason of his or her being under the influence of any controlled substance, interfere with or obstruct or prevent the free use of any street, sidewalk or other public way; F. Prowl upon the private property of another, without visible or lawful business with the owner or occupant thereof, or while loitering, prowling or wandering upon the private property of another, peek in the door or window of any inhabited building or structure located thereon, without visible or lawful business with the owner or occupant thereof; or G. Lie, sleep or doze on any street, sidewalk or alley or sleep or lodge in any building or structure, or automobile or other vehicle without owning the same or without permission of the owner or person entitled to possession of same; or H. Sleep or doze in any designated public park in Nye County between the hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am daily including Ian Deutch Park, Simkins Park, Petrack Park and Kellogg Park (This prohibition will not apply if a person is sleeping during the restricted hours if they are present pursuant to a permit issued by a governmental agency); or I. Use a public street, highway, alley, lane, parkway, sidewalk or other right-of-way, whether such right-of-way has been dedicated to the public in fee or by easement, for lying, sleeping or otherwise remaining sitting thereon, except in the case of a physical emergency or the administration of medical assistance. (Ord. 548, 2019)  At Nye County’s June 18th Board Meeting, County Commissioners will debate over whether they should lobby the State of Nevada to increase their pay to $75,000. That will more than double the $32,000 they are currently paid. Since County Commissioners have significant responsibilities the question of what amounts to fair compensation is often debated, but do they deserve it? Arguably, raises can be beneficial. More money could mean better qualified candidates, an increase in dedication and performance, reduced corruption, and without periodic adjustment the real value of their compensation diminishes over time. But double??? Is this the same BOCC that walked the County into fiscal watch? Wasn’t it just last meeting that the BOCC was crying poor and dissolving a department that actually made the County money to the tune of millions of dollars? Aren’t these the ones responsible for the recent Mediwaste debacle and the awful roads in Nye County? If performance is a factor in this decision, maybe we should be discussing a pay cut? I am skeptical the public has much to gain from this increase. There is no guarantee that it will lead to improved performance or reduced corruption. Other factors, such as ethical standards and the motivation to actually do the work associated with the job, are more likely a product of personality rather than money. Ultimately, there is an argument for some increase to keep up with inflation, but DOUBLING the salary feels excessive. There is also the matter of burying the item in the agenda which seems like they were trying to put another one past the public without their notice. That feels underhanded and isn’t conservative. If there is extra money floating around, why not be old-fashioned and return it to the taxpayer or invest it into a few more pothole repairs? ...end of rant. For now. |
AuthorMatt Sadler is politically active in Nevada and host of "The Nevada Patriot Podcast with Matt Sadler." He's a native Nevadan demanding transparency, accountability, and effectiveness at all levels of government. He also loves his God, lovely wife, 3 beautiful children, friends, and food. ArchivesCategories |
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