Here's what I got:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">February 13, 2006
To: RV Owners Interested in Laughlin, Nevada
Re: You are most certainly welcome in Laughlin!!
Dear RV Owner:
A large part of why you and millions more enjoy Laughlin every year is its great sense of hospitality. Many RV owners have contacted Clark County, Nevada, government about the "dry camping" issue in Laughlin. First, I want to assure each of you that Clark County and our Laughlin Township absolutely do welcome you and do value you as a visitor to our many exciting attractions and resorts. Our Board of County Commissioners and our county staff are committed to doing everything possible to ensure that we remain the premier vacation destination in the world.
The Clark County Health District recently took some actions in Laughlin concerning "dry camping." Unfortunately, some have assumed mistakenly that Clark County government took these actions. You should know that the Health District is an entirely separate governmental entity, operating through its own authority under Nevada law. Having "Clark County" in both names is no doubt confusing and has added to the unfortunate nature of this situation.
You should also know that Clark County government has informed the Health District leadership that we do not agree with their actions in this instance. We are doing everything we can to encourage the district to forgo any action and to develop a more comprehensive and productive policy. Below is a letter sent from Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, who represents the district that includes Laughlin, to the Health Officer.
The meeting Commissioner Woodbury refers to in this letter has been arranged and we anticipate that a productive resolution to this issue will be achieved. Again, as County Manager, and on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, please accept my assurances that the hospitality that makes Laughlin such a fine place to visit will continue to be extended to you and your fellow RV'ers - not only in Laughlin but throughout Southern Nevada.
Best wishes,
Thom Reilly
County Manager
TR:JS:dh
Attachment: Letter from Commissioner Bruce Woodbury to Dr. Donald Kwalick, Health Officer
Dear Dr. Kwalick:
It is my understanding that the Health District undertook enforcement actions against several hotels in Laughlin, Nevada based on "dry camping" of RV vehicles. It has been relayed to me that these actions were taken with little in the way of prior notice to these enterprises, and with little regard for the possible impact to the larger community. County staff discussed this with you and asked if these actions could be rescinded. In response, we were informed of, and our Laughlin Town Manager was invited to, a meeting held by members of your staff and the executives of the four resorts targeted by these efforts. I am extremely disappointed to learn that this meeting provided no resolution to this situation. The hotels were told by your staff that they must comply with Health District Code but could request variances that would be considered. This, however, would require significant capital outlays almost immediately.
The effects of these actions have reverberated literally across North America. We have received emails from RV owners in Canada and from around the United States indicating their belief that Clark County and Laughlin no longer welcomed their visits or their business. As news of this spread, it was quickly apparent that the name of the Clark County Health District caused people to believe that the Clark County Government had undertaken these actions. We issued responses as we could, clarifying that this was not a "Clark County" action. Unfortunately, regardless of which agency was responsible, it is likely that many thousands of RV owners, and possibly others, are now convinced that Clark County is not a friendly place for them. This could have very broad unforeseen consequences.
Dr. Kwalick, frankly, I am puzzled by the actions of Health District staff, and the manner in which this action was undertaken. There simply does not appear to have been adequate prior notice to the hotels involved. Nor does it appear that there was sufficient forethought for possible consequences -- particularly in light of the fact that "dry camping" has been a seasonal norm in Laughlin for many years.
I have asked staff to arrange for me to meet with you and executives from the hotels. It is my hope that we can work out some resolution that addresses both the current situation and a more permanent solution going forward. The County is currently reviewing our own requirements in this area, with an eye to making productive changes. I appreciate the difficult work you and your agency are charged with and look forward to our meeting to resolve this important issue.
Sincerely,
Bruce Woodbury
County Commissioner
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:Boycot does fit! There are plenty of towns that DO like the money we spend...and thank us for doing it. I'll go there!
I received an email from the county and a copy of a letter from the county to the health department today. It seems that the county is trying to do something about this issue. Now if only the health department will listen to what is right.
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