Eighty-five percent of Nevada’s land is owned by the federal government. That means Congress pretty much manages most of the Silver State. We are experiencing one of the hottest senatorial contests in recent memory with the battle between Sharron Angle, the Republican candidate, and Sen. Harry Reid, the Democratic candidate and 24-year incumbent.

Each side, of course, finds fault with the other, as is want for any political campaign. I think it is important to point out how the federal government has contributed to Nevada through the efforts of the incumbent Sen. Reid.

Fallon Naval Air Station has grown into the premier fighter pilot training facility in the world while Reid has been in office. Alameda Naval Air Station in the San Francisco Bay Area was shut down due to the high volume of nearby air traffic. It was moved to Fallon Naval Air Station as a cost-saving measure as well as to maintain our military strength in the world. That move added immensely to Fallon’s economy due, in no small way, to the efforts behind the scenes of Nevada’s senior senator, Harry Reid.

Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada has also experienced growth while Sen. Reid has been in office. Nellis is currently the go-to home for much of the operation of the drones that keep the Taliban at bay in our war in Afghanistan. Develop-ments at Nellis Air Force Base also bolster the Las Vegas area’s economy.

Hawthorne is being transformed from an ammunition depository into a desert warfare training facility, which will also augment the economy of Hawthorne.

Funding from the federal government helps maintain and develop our interstate highway system, which Nevada relies on heavily for transporting the many tourists into our fair state. Additionally, airport developments increase the flow of air travelers to our area and also bolster the entire state’s economy.

The Bureau of Land Management manages our rangeland, ensuring a viable habitat for wildlife. This allows hunters, many of whom come from out of state, to enjoy Nevada’s out of doors and also add to the economy of many of Nevada’s smaller towns.

Reid was also instrumental in securing financing for the CityCenter complex in Las Vegas that created many jobs during its construction and more jobs as the complex came on line. Reid also secured funds for a Veterans Administration hospital in the Las Vegas area to better serve our military veterans.

Reid also played a major role in the Tillman/Goldwater Bridge over the Colorado River at Hoover Dam that, when finished, will increase vehicular and commercial traffic into and out of Nevada in addition to creating jobs during its construction.

It’s true, our economy is in the dumpster, but our economy is like a baseball game in the bottom of the ninth inning. The voter is the manager, we’re the home team, one run ahead and the other team has bases loaded with two out. Do we replace the proven veteran pitcher with a rookie or go with the odds and stick with our proven veteran?  Hey, Harry Reid may not be Superman and beat his chest at every opportunity, but he comes through in the clutches and we need his experience more than ever now. I say stick with the veteran; let’s let him finish this ninth inning. We will all be proud at the end of the game, because we really do know how to pick a winner. 

Larry Wilson is a 50-year resident of Sparks and a retired elementary school teacher. You can contact him at lawilson16@aol.com.