Hardy should take pride in monument

By Maria-Teresa Liebermann, Las Vegas

Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Just two hours outside of Las Vegas, you’ll find our country’s newest national monument, Basin and Range. The designation made many Nevadans, like me, immensely proud, but not Congressman Cresent Hardy. The congressman called this designation a “land grab” and said it was a “scene demonstrating that having friends in high places is more important than popular will of the people.”

As a constituent of Nevada’s 4th Congressional District, I find my congressman’s comments awfully insulting to this historic moment and to all the Nevadans who fought so hard to bring it to fruition.

Many Nevadans wanted this monument; many of us fought for it. The movement to protect Basin and Range brought together Nevadans from all walks of life — businesspeople, sportsmen, environmentalists and others. The designation was not “the exchange of political favor for one Nevadan.” This designation was for all Nevadans and people from all over the world who would like to visit one of the most unique, pristine areas on Earth.

Permanently protecting Basin and Range means preserving Nevada’s prehistoric and Native American history, natural heritage and landscape for future generations. Designating Basin and Range as a national monument will bring economic benefits to the area with increased outdoor recreation and tourism dollars. Hardy may not be proud of the Basin and Range National Monument, but plenty of Nevadans are.