THUMBS UP to Anthony Marnell III, whose company, Marnell Gaming, has purchased the Nugget hotel-casino.
Marnell, in an interview with the Sparks Tribune, didn’t hesitate to reveal what he thought of Sparks’ largest resort and what his company wants to do with the property. He was frank, which we appreciate after listening to people who are overly cautious in dealing with the news media.
Marnell said his company plans a large-scale renovation of the Nugget, admitting that the property “shouldn’t be a product that has never had enough money put into it and fixed up.” He said he has the money to do the job but wisely wants to make sure that the improvements are the right ones.
In addition, he told us that his company will be heavily involved in activities to benefit the community.
Sounds like an ideal newcomer to town and an ideal new owner of one of Sparks’ biggest businesses.
THUMBS DOWN to the Washoe County school board for creating a citizen oversight committee to make recommendations on school construction projects but failing to admit the primary reason for its action: The loss of public trust in the board because of its violations of the open meeting law, its awful handling of a dispute with former Superintendent Pedro Martinez and its approval of a contract with new Superintendent Traci Davis that contained some questionable provisions.
We are glad that the board is looking for guidance on spending, but it should fess up to its bad behavior rather than issuing a meaningless statement that board members “listen to our community, and we always appreciate its input on issues of critical importance to the Washoe County School District.”
THUMBS UP to Washoe County voters who took the time on a sunny Saturday to participate in Nevada’s Democratic presidential caucus.
Participating in a caucus undoubtedly takes a lot more time and patience than voting in a primary election. It can also be confusing and chaotic, as voters discovered at some caucus sites in the county. Long lines and long wait times were reported at some locations, which may have conjured up memories of a trip to the DMV.
We commend those who exercised their right to have their voices heard.
THUMBS UP to Congressman Mark Amodei, who has a knack for common sense.
Amodei told a Reno radio station that the U.S. Senate should hold confirmation hearings and take a vote on anyone that President Obama nominates for the U.S. Supreme Court. A senator can always vote no. If senators are afraid to vote on the nominee, Amodei said, “they should probably find a new job.”
Leave a Reply