Democrat would ruin mining industry
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:02 AM PST
Editor: I was more than surprised to see Democratic nominee Barack Obama leading in a recent Elko Daily Free Press poll of presidential candidates. Considering Elko County has been and I still believe is a predominantly conservative Republican county, this poll is a bit disturbing.
Citizens of Elko County and northeast Nevada need to give more attention to the occurring events and start taking action. Elko County's economy relies on the mining industry and it is no hidden fact how Democratic leaders feel about the mining industry and additional taxes. With the royalty tax on precious metal already headed to the Senate, Elko County and northeast Nevada cannot afford to see a Democratic candidate take office.
None of the Democratic candidates for president oppose this royalty tax. John Edwards recently stated he thinks an 8 percent royalty tax is too high but offered no alternative to the tax and has no intent of opposing the tax. Barack Obama has not opposed the royalty tax. Obama has stated he wants to raise taxes on the “wealthy” and you can be assured that our gold mining companies will fall into that “wealthy” category. Obama has no idea how a royalty tax will affect the communities that are dependent on the gold mining industry. He talks about tax cuts for the middle class, but Barack is still a Democrat, and when has any Democrat cut taxes? I don't even feel it is necessary to address Hillary Clinton's position on mining and additional taxes.
The more money taken from the gold mining companies by the federal government means less money going back to the citizens of northeast Nevada employed by the gold mining industry and less money being donated and contributed back to the local communities by the gold mining companies. I shouldn't need to remind people that our local schools and school sports facilities were paid for in large part by our gold mining companies. Any negative effect on the gold mining industry will result in a negative impact on almost all jobs in northeast Nevada, as well as our local economy.
The livelihood of all those employed because of the gold mining industry is at stake. The way of life and quality of life for all residents of northeast Nevada is at stake. Neither my spouse's career nor my career is related to the mining industry, but because Elko County is our home, our careers and way of life are also at risk. We need to do our part to ensure our way of life is protected.
M. Hildreth
Spring Creek