Congressional delegation gets seniors' grades

An organization of senior citizens in Nevada says Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., received a 100 percent rating for his votes in 1997 on issues concerning the balanced budget and benefits for the elderly.

The Nevada State Council of Senior Citizens, which has a membership of about 2,400, said Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., scored 50 percent for his votes and Reps. John Ensign and Jim Gibbons, both R-Nev., each earned 40 percent. Scott Watts, president of the council, said the votes were critical to increasing funding for elderly housing and programs under the Older Americans Act, ensuring cost of living increases for Social Security and protecting Medicare.

The national association earlier this month released its rating on all senators and House members. Generally Democrats received high ratings and Republicans had lower ratings.

Reid voted the "right" way, according to seniors, on all 10 issues including one calling for a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget. He voted against it. Its passage, said the association, would directly threaten Social Security and Medicare. Reid also voted against a plan to increase the eligibility for Medicare from 65 to 67 years old.

Ensign, who is challenging Reid for his Senate seat, was downgraded for his support of a balanced budget that the senior group said might mean deep cuts in federal programs. He also voted the "wrong" way when he supported a plan to require a two-thirds vote in Congress before any taxes could be raised. The seniors said such a change would cripple the ability of Congress to meet national needs.

Watts denied accusations that his organization is partisan. "We're not picking on Democrats or Republicans. They are either for senior citizens or against senior citizens."

Seniors United will be hosting the last of its candidate forums on Wednesday Aug. 12 at the Spring Valley Library, 4280 South Jones Blvd., from noon to 2:30 p.m. Candidates that will speak include Judge Nancy Saitta for District Court Dept. 18, Commissioner Erin Kenny for reelection to Commission District F, Assemblyman Jack Close for State Senate District No. 7, Sandra Pomrenze, for District Court Dept. 17, Richard Bonar for Commission District G, Chuck Lee for County Sheriff and Rose McKinney James for Lt. Governor.

Seniors United is a non-profit political education group that remind senior citizens to use their vote.

Congressional candidate Jim Block is using "Block" parties to get his messages out to the public.

Blockey is having his supporters host these parties in their homes so that friends can get to know Blockey and his stance on the issues.

"My first priority is public service not self service," Blockey said. "I need to spend quality time with the people who want to make a difference in this country."

The Paradise Democratic Club is sponsoring a "$5 Dinner with Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa" at 6:30 p.m. July 23 at the Italian American Club at 2333 E. Sahara Ave.

The highlight of the dinner will be a special recognition award presentation to former U.S. Sen. Howard Cannon who served as Nevada's Democratic senator for 24 years from 1959-1983.

The club periodically sponsors $5 dinners honoring well-known Democratic officials, allowing the average person to meet and dine with them at a reasonable price. The public is welcomed to attend. Call 435-7812 to RSVP.

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