Business Politics – 2007 January

Just when those “ethical” Democrats have barely stopped celebrating their wins in Congress, their Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, gets dirty in another land scandal dustup. In an article in the L.A. Times the history of another sweet deal for Harry is exposed. A brief rundown goes like this:

Harry and his buddy of over 50 years, Claire Haycock, a lubricant distributor (remember this part), purchase a parcel of land in Arizona sometime between 1979 qne 1982 for about $1,500 an acre.

Haycock puts his share in a pension plan trust.

California investors buy the property for $8,400 an acre in the ’90’s but default a few years later, and the property reverts back to Reid and Haycock.

In the mid-1990s, Reid tried several times for legislation to protect lubricants distributors from abrupt cancellations by their suppliers but was unsuccessful.
.
In 2001 Haycock decides to change the pension trust to a 401 and decides to sell the property.

In 2002 Reid buys the property–which once sold for $8,400 an acre and is appraised at $2,144 an acre by the county assessor–for the lofty sum of $166 an acre.

Six months later Harry again introduces legislation for lubricants distributors (remember what I told you to remember).

Since buying the property, Harry has pushed hard for a new bridge to run near his windfall property, but claims a new bridge will not affect the value of his property.

And Harry, you probably think people believe that, too.

Posted by Zounds Off at 4:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It seems Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid cannot do anything other then peddle power and cash in on questionable deals.

Let’s start with the land deal that netted Reid a mere $700,000. Steve Miller has tied Harry Reid to Jay Brown – a close friend of Reid’s for more then 35 years. Brown, in turn, has close ties to the Bononno Organized Crime Family and of a Bononno Family Capo, Vinny Faraci, who received the minimum possible sentence from Us Federal Judge Kent Dawson. Judge Dawson continues the Reid connection since Reid recommended him to the bench back in 1999. [American Mafia]

I have a feeling there is far more to this and hope the media continues to research all the dealings of Harry Reid. In fact, with $700,000 cozy land deals, I expect Harry isn’t too concerned about not getting the pay hike that Senators normally enjoy; of course, the millions of Americans that have been denied a minimum wage increase for over 10 years by this Senate and its partisan divisions are not so lucky and will be pushed further into the depths of poverty. Harry, why can’t you be as talented at making deals and closing agreements for Americans as you are for yourself? [Minimum Wage Increase Blocked]

Now, I see yet another questionable land deal with Reid taking home another of those five or six figure payday checks. I’d say we need to give Harry a lot more Hell over this. [Reid Land Deal #2].

In other news Reid isn’t quite as tough on the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project as his past rhetoric would indicate. [Nucular Regulatory Commision Apponitments]

Indeed, I agree with Wonkette, Harry Reid, you are insane.

Posted by pokerprof at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

According to reports, Sheldon G. Adelson — chairman of the Las Vegas Sands Corp. and the nation’s third wealthiest man — gave $1 million to another chairman, Newt Gingrich…well actually to his “American Solutions for Winning the Future.”

The organization is promoting a new Contract with America for the 21st Century, which is the name of Newt’s new hardcover release..

Before you laugh, the first contract was so successful that former Democratic president, Bill Clinton, claimed credit simply by signing many of the points into law.

Posted by Zounds Off at 6:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was reading an article from Casino City Times and wondered what it would look like as excerpts and me reading between the lines…

Harrah’s Entertainment eliminated some 200 jobs in its Las Vegas corporate office Friday
Of course, we expected everything to remain the same after getting eaten by corporate raiders.

Jan Jones, Harrah’s senior vice president of communications and government relations said the buyout was not the reason for the job reductions.
We were thinking of doing this anyhow; the timing just seemed right. Besides, I still have my job.

“Not only have we given them a pretty good severance package, but we’re offering job placement counseling and we’re trying to redirect some people to positions at the properties.”
Hey, I never got to work for a huge corporation, getting overpaid for shuffling some papers. Why can’t I get counseling too?

“We’ve been growing so fast that we needed to stop, take a breath,” Jones said,
Has a corporation ever said, “Stop, we’re growing too fast?”

Sources said corporate employees were all informed of the pending layoffs in a letter from Loveman. In the letter, Loveman said the employees being eliminated had contributed greatly to the company’s success over the past few years.
NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE!

Posted by Zounds Off at 6:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With Democrats in a mad rush to tinker with the scheduling of the primaries and caucuses for the upcoming presidential election, I have been wondering who will benefit most-and as an aside, if there is a new group of candidates for 2012, I wonder how much tinkering will be done again to push a party favorite into the enviable position of early wins. Obviously, an early South Carolina primary gives John Edwards, a native of SC a strong boost where he is also strong in Iowa, I believe. Illinois is considering moving their primary up to give political neophyte, Barak Obama, a sporting chance at being less than a third or fourth place finisher. Of course, with the money Hillary Clinton has already amassed-a reported $14 million-she can blanket the early primaries with a media blitz.

What I wasn’t sure of is who gains from adding Nevada to the mix, though with the strong gaming industry, unions, and Hispanic population, it surely changes the dynamics of the early races. My strongest guess is that Harry Reid will definitely play on the fact that now more money will be spent in Nevada as candidates strive for an advantage. Too bad that all this money will be spent for political inanities while lining the pockets of the already wealthy, and nothing will eventually reach state coffers to improve Nevada’s failing school systems. But then again, when have the wealthy and powerful and the political really wanted a well educated population, able to see past the tired political rhetoric, angry enough to take back their country?

In an interesting article found on The Fix by Chris Cilliza, he also mentions as big winners for the Nevada caucus… drum roll but no surprise, Harry Reid; and drum roll and some surprise, Jon Ralston. He points out that now candidates have to woo Harry hoping for an endorsement and basically the same goes for Ralston.

One thing I do know is I don’t like you, Harry Reid. While state politicians and money people feast on the notoriety and quid pro quo dealings, and corporate media grabs the advertising bucks, I will be subjected to several extra months (note that negative ads concerning Hillary are to start this week in Iowa) of campaign ads “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.â€? Oh, wait…I will do the same thing I did this past campaign cycle—TURN OFF THE TV AND RADIO!

Posted by Zounds Off at 4:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I love lists, and this is my current list of the top 10 problems in the Las Vegas Valley:

10. Gangs / Violent Crime – This isn’t really a major problem here, stay away from rough parts of town most of North Las Vegas and it’s not even a consideration; however, more and more areas are decaying and becoming prime breeding grounds for gangs.

9. Homeless – It’s a problem in every American city, but poses special issue for a city dependant on a tourist economy. Tourists don’t like homeless people so they are kept away from the private properties and quietly shuffled out of site; but, Vegas has an increasing homeless problem which should be addressed. (As a side note: How Oscar Goodman can be our Mayor and Vegas be only the 5th meanest city to be homeless is something I cannot fathom).

8. Hard Drugs – Yes, it’s a problem in Sin City, as even new Gov Gibbons acknowledged in his State of the State address – In particular methamphetamine.

7. Air Quality and Pollution – There is a constant haze in the city as can be seen on the live Vegas traffic cams lingering over the valley as a deep brown haze. The air quality ranges between mustard gas and clouds of flesh eating bacteria.

6. Health Care Quality and Corruption – The recent UMC case had me livid, epically considering the horrid state of our Health Care.

5. Home foreclosures and the housing market – I expect the instability will continue for another month or two (because foreclosure is a lag indicator of events that happened 3 months ago and we’ve yet to reach the crest).

4. Water. Las Vegas is in he middle of the desert and as the population swells so do our water requirements. We are sill 10-15 years away from serious H2O problems but this should be on every resident’s radar.

3. Political Corruption – every local government has some degree of corruption, however, when the whole city counsels guilty that’s excessive! And it continues to this day, as our favorite Vegas phenomenal pain in the ass, Steve Miller continues to uncover and make headlines with his discoveries in the Crazy Horse Too / Rizzolo / Las Vegas City Council case.

2. Traffic and congestion – Weekends are almost unbearable with traffic jams sometimes adding almost an hour to local trips about town that not too long ago only took 15 minutes.

1. Our crumbling education system. This is a dire situation and must be addressed. I’ll let Zounds Off, an expert on the Nevada education system, tee off on this massive issue. Suffice to say, the best part of solving this is that in time it contributes to the solution of almost every other problem.

Posted by pokerprof at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I found this too good to pass up…

The man who invented the laugh track (also known as a “laff box,” or “canned laughter”), Charles Rolland Douglass, is a graduate of the University of Nevada. The laugh track, as we all know, is used to make fake laughter for shows that, frankly, are not very funny to begin with. The audience needs a cue because the jokes are lame. So basically, shows like “Friends” owe all 10 seasons of success to a Nevada education.
From Mexican sewer systems and other useful advice
By: James Grange

Posted by Zounds Off at 7:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The one good thing about being in Las Vegas traffic is that at least you’re in Las Vegas.

Ever want to pretend you’re a traffic controller, or just want to take a peek into Vegas traffic?

FAST Traffic Cameras gives you access to nine Regional Transport Commission of Southern Nevada cameras at various intersections, including I-215/I-15, The Strip/Flamingo, The Strip/Convention Center, I-15/Charleston, the Spaghetti Bowl, and more.

These are the FAST (Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation) cameras, which show traffic in a live feed.

You can also view traffic flow patterns as PowerPoints, animated GIFs, and PDFs.

The next best thing to not being there!

Posted by <mailto:rclark@lasvegasvegas.com”>R.C. Clark at 5:24 PM</mailto:rclark@lasvegasvegas.com”> | Permalink | Comments (0)

The State of the State
Remarks by Governor Jim Gibbons [with my remarks in brackets -Pokerprof
to the 74th Session of the Nevada Legislature

[Introduction: Feel free to skip reading this until the next bracket]

Speaker Buckley, Majority Leader Raggio, Lieutenant Governor Krolicki, members of the Senate and Assembly, honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, constitutional officers, distinguished guests, and my fellow citizens: It is indeed a pleasure to be here. As the 29th Governor of Nevada, I am humbled and privileged to appear before you tonight and excited to share my vision with you for the future of our great state of Nevada.

Before I do, I would like to thank my wife, Dawn, for her love, insight, guidance and support. As a former member of this Assembly, she’s no stranger to this process, and as First Lady she has already shown her effectiveness, particularly in raising public awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine use. I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my entire family for their many sacrifices and total dedication throughout my 18 years of public life. Thank you.

On this historic occasion, I would like to recognize a remarkable Nevadan who has persevered every day since arriving in Las Vegas in 1980. Please join me in saluting Barbara Buckley as the first female speaker in Nevada history. She and I have proven we can effectively work together, as we did in suspending the nurses’ strike in Las Vegas last month, and I am confident we can build upon our past success by mutually rejecting the counterproductive tug and pull of partisan politics. Please rise as I become the first Nevada Governor to say these words: Madame Speaker, I congratulate you and look forward to working with you to create long-term, meaningful results for all Nevadans.

I was first elected to the Nevada Assembly in 1989 and I am especially delighted to work again in this chamber. Tonight I would like to recognize my colleagues from that 1989 Assembly, who continue to devote countless hours working for the citizens of Nevada. Mr. Marvel, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Arberry and Senator McGinness, it’s a pleasure to work with you again.

I want to also welcome incoming freshmen legislators Senator Joyce Woodhouse and Assembly members Bob Beers, David Bobzien, Ty Cobb, Ed Goedhart, Ruben Kihuen, James Ohrenschall, Tick Segerblom, James Settlemeyer, Lynn Stewart and Rosemary Womack. Welcome, and I look forward to working with you.

Lastly, I want to thank all of those people who agreed to serve on my transition team, especially former Governors List and Bryan and Lieutenant Governor Hunt. I value your input and support. And, as my friends in the press have pointed out, for the handful of you who are not on my transition team, I value your input, too.

[End introduction and start actual content…]

As many of you know, I grew up in the railroad town of Sparks, Nevada, where I was raised by hard-working parents, Matilda and Leonard. My parents instilled in me the core values that have contributed greatly to my ability to fly a jet, become a lawyer, serve in Congress and now be a governor. They taught me at an early age about the power of partnership and the can-do pioneer attitude that makes us Nevadans different.

Nevada has changed so much since my childhood years in Sparks. I remember as a kid we would joke that there is one person for each of our 110,000 square miles in Nevada. Today, that ratio would be 22 times greater. When I graduated from Sparks High School in 1962, Washoe County had a population of 85,000, Clark County had 127,000, and Ormsby County had about 8,000.

By the year 2010, Clark County will have nearly two million residents and 170,000 hotel rooms–nearly as many rooms as in the combined cities of New York and Chicago. In that same period, Washoe County will grow to 500,000 residents and Carson City will have nearly 65,000.

[Perhaps we should celebrate by renaming it Auther C. Clark County?]

It’s hard to believe that in less than 50 years our state has grown tenfold and Clark County 15-fold. These statistics force us to think differently, to adjust our mindset and become more innovative, especially when it applies to government. We simply cannot run the government the same way we’ve been doing it.

[And why is that, exactly? It worked for the last 143 years, remember?]

As I said in my inaugural speech, we now have a unique opportunity and challenge–to take the 143 years of growth and progress that has created the Nevada of today, and set a course for the future. A future that brings together the diverse communities and citizens of this great state into a common cause–One Nevada.

[Lovely, the “One Nevada” hyberbole again, news flash Gov, the “143 years of growth” was 143 years of ups and downs and the first 100 or so had a significantly lower number of residents then the ratio you experienced (also, I seriously doubt you had any joke involving the number 110,000 even the worst of nerds aren’t that bad…usually).]

As a fighter pilot in Viet Nam and the Gulf War and former Vice Commander of the Nevada Air National Guard, I want to salute the men and women serving in our military around the globe. Nevada has one of the highest percentages of National Guard members serving in foreign lands, and a large number of them are engaged in the fight on terror in Iraq. On behalf of a profoundly grateful State, we appreciate everything they do to continue to defend our liberty.

[Even when it’s at the behest of a power mad baboon]

At this time I would ask for a moment of silence for the 48 fallen Nevadans who, since 2001, have given their lives to protect ours.

On March 23, 2003, Nevada lost Marine Lance Corporal Donald J. Cline in Iraq, but his memory continues to live on through his family who joins us this evening. We must always remember those who have fallen for our freedom and we express our gratitude by recognizing Lance Corporal Cline’s two sons, Dillon and Dakota, and his loving wife, Tina. Thank you for being here. I also want to thank the Nevada Patriot Fund for raising private funds to support families like the Clines who have lost loved ones in war.

Because I have such confidence in the Guard and the lessons associated with military service, I am including in this budget $1.7 million to the Nevada National Guard Youth Challenge Program, where troubled youth can be educated and given the ability to start over.

[Get’em while they are young]

My fellow Nevadans, our economy is robust, our workforce is teeming, our job growth is healthy and the unemployment rate is low; and for the first time as Governor, I am proud to announce that the state of our state is strong.

[Of course small businesses are being trounced (especially bars and tavern’s) and we’re number 2-3 in the Nation for foreclosures, oh and at the bottom in education.. and #1 in meth use, but other then that…]

Over the past biennium, Nevada has once again exceeded the nation in economic growth. While Arizona has moved ahead of Nevada as the fastest growing state in the U.S., we’ve added more than 100,000 residents annually since 2004. Both personal income and employment have continued to grow at rates far above the national average.

[And the stats are severely distorted by the ratio of extreme wealth to working class, but why quibble with minor qualifications to the truth of a statement]

While our state economy has greatly diversified over the past decade, gaming remains a driving force behind our revenue base. Several large new gaming projects are underway in Clark County and promise to further strengthen Nevada’s economic status. In this 75th year of legalized gaming in Nevada, optimism in the tourism markets remains high. It is estimated more than 41 million people will visit Las Vegas in 2009–up from 35 million at the beginning of the decade.

[What about 2008, or this year, 2007? Why go all the way to 2009? And why cite Vegas visitor statistics and not all of Nevada’s, espically giving the Nevada Tourism Outdoor campaign…]

The total number of jobs in Nevada grew by 58,000 between November 2005 and 2006 and job gains in Nevada continue to outpace the nation as a whole.

[I wonder if the growth of population and jobs is related to the immigration issue facing this nation, nah, couldn’t be.]

In order to sustain this economic strength, I firmly believe we need to form a new kind of government; one that is leaner, more responsive, a combine for new ideas, and most of all, a government that gives Nevadans the tools they need to make the most of their lives. This is my vision for Nevada.

[Your vision is to “do better” by totally changing what has worked so well for 143 years? Odd.]

I have submitted to you a seven-billion-dollar budget that does not include new or increased taxes, but squarely focuses attention on innovation and new thinking. During the campaign, I met with thousands and thousands of Nevadans, who think as I do, that we must streamline our government and make it more responsive–all while living within our means. I respectfully submit to you a budget that meets those objectives.

[It’s Guinn’s budget, and I shutter to see your’s after the revisions you’ve been making]

Additionally, this budget is $158 million below the spending cap that was first enacted in 1979, but has not affected the budget process until now. For the first time in our state’s history, a spending cap will govern how we build budgets and how we spend money. This is the new budget reality in Nevada, and I believe we should embrace it.

My budget also includes one-time appropriations to support vital areas of statewide community interest, including Opportunity Village in Las Vegas for $12 million; $10 million for the Nevada Cancer Institute; $10 million for the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute in Las Vegas; $6.5 million for courthouse improvements in White Pine County, $3.5 million for the Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease at the School of Medicine and $2 million for the Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno. These are critical Nevada assets, and I urge your approval.

Exercising fiscal discipline demands more than a promise of no new taxes; it requires having the willpower to save in good times for those downturns and unexpected hardships that will inevitably come.

We all recall the financial impacts our state absorbed after 9/11. To protect ourselves from man-made or natural catastrophes in the future, we must set aside money to shield our citizens from harm. My budget includes an additional $36 million to the rainy day fund for a total of $303 million. Some will argue it is not enough or too much, but nary a person can say this is not prudent planning.

[Wow a mention of 9/11, nothing unifies like fear, eh Gov?]

The 9/11 Commission made many recommendations to promote the security of the nation. One of its findings concluded that the nation and the states are vulnerable because public safety responders cannot communicate as one entity in a time of crisis. We need to address our lack of radio capability among all first responders. I will work with the Legislature to find the necessary funds to construct the Nevada Four Core Public Safety Radio Network. The security of Nevadans, our tourists, and our economy demand this action.

[More terrorist propaganda, lovely]

During the campaign I promised Nevadans I would save them money. I will stand by my word. Tonight, I am proud to announce that I will be seeking a 4.6 percent decrease in the modified business tax, from .65 to .62 percent, resulting in $28 million in tax relief for 55,748 Nevada businesses. In addition, I am proposing to eliminate the $1,750 per branch excise tax for banks.

[So tax cuts for the rich, bravo Gov, I’m not complaining, some of my friends on the other hand…]

Key among the Nevada workforce are dedicated public employees, including state employees, university employees and teachers. We must continue to invest in this important group of workers, and I am proposing a six percent increase in pay for these hardworking individuals. I propose a two percent increase in the first year and a four percent increase in the second year, which will free up an additional $31 million in funds, which I will reallocate to cover future pension and health care costs for retired public employees.

[Not that it was originally 3% and 3%.. Oh wait…]

If we don’t address the multi-billion-dollar health care liability today, we will be sticking our heads in the sand and pretending this serious issue doesn’t exist. As Nevada government leaders, we cannot afford to pretend.

Hand in hand with paying down the four-billion-dollar health care liability, I will be urging you to pass legislation to reconstitute the nine-member public employees benefit plan board in order to establish a new panel of experts and professionals who have the appropriate skill set to lead our state through what is a looming financial storm. Send me this legislation and I will sign it immediately.

Nevada has one of the highest rates of methamphetamine addiction in the country and the highest rate for people 12 years old and older…and everyone–I repeat, everyone–is at risk. The addiction has had a devastating impact on Nevada families, schools, the criminal justice system and the economy. However, with the right balance of awareness, treatment and prevention, this seemingly untamed demon drug can be overcome. Please join me in applauding Kendra Furlong, who appeared in the recent TV documentary Crystal Darkness, for her courage and honesty in talking publicly about meth addiction. Kendra, you and others like you who are conquering the addiction, are an inspiration to us all.

Earlier today, by executive order, I established a meth working group to be chaired by Attorney General Catherine Cortez-Masto and to consist of law enforcement, state agencies, legislators, the First Lady and others who are on the front lines fighting this epidemic. I have asked the working group to make recommendations to the Legislature on or before April 1 so that the Legislature can swiftly authorize the appropriate action and funding to strike a decisive blow against the traffickers of meth, while also helping those hooked on meth to break free.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the colossal struggle of our times, and it will require uncommon collaboration, compassion and coordination. Additionally, I have placed in this budget 10 new public safety officers to fight the rise of meth use and distribution in our communities, particularly in our rural communities, where the problems appear to be most acute. I have also included $2 million for the Department of Health and Human Services for meth education and treatment for a grand total of $17 million in this budget directed toward fighting the scourge of methamphetamine.

[I thought it was the Islamic-Fundamentalist fueled terrorism, or perhaps our dying education system, meth is a problem, but ‘the colossal struggle of our times’?]

A top priority of my Administration will be to develop more affordable housing in Nevada. How often do we hear that workforce housing is not available for new hires or that a teacher or nurse can’t find an affordable home so they decide not to relocate? It is, in my opinion, far too frequent, and we must do something about it. I am directing that we establish a program to support the housing needs of teachers, nurses and other first-time homebuyers through the sale of tax-exempt bonds. It will be modeled after the California Housing Finance Agency and be self-supporting by selling bonds repaid by revenues generated through mortgage loans, not by tax dollars.

[So, this part is your opinion? I guess that means it’s not as serious a priority as the colossal struggle of our times?]

Let’s start a similar program so we can help all Nevadans achieve the American dream of home ownership.

I am also proposing a major improvement to the Homestead Act by raising the amount of protection for property from $350,000 to $550,000. Nevada’s escalating home prices require such a change. In our larger counties, I am proposing to do away with the fee for filing a homestead exemption for your primary property, and instead, allowing homesteading for second residences or vacation homes with a voluntary fee of 1/10 of 1 percent. This will stimulate real estate investment in Nevada and potentially create new revenue to be shared between the counties who collect it and the state.

[Homestead second homes…yeah that’s a good fix for ‘the new hires or that a teacher or nurse that can’t find an affordable home.’]

No natural resource in the State of Nevada is as critical or as controversial as water. We have the driest state in the nation and one of the highest rates of growth–a combination that places tremendous stress on our precious water resources.

[And pisses off our neighboring States on a regular basis]

I will be asking the Desert Research Institute to conduct a water inventory for Nevada. Two key collaborators, the State Engineer’s office and the Desert Research Institute, will identify priority needs and collect information to reduce potential future conflicts. The initial two-year phase of this program will be funded with an appropriation of two million dollars. One clear way to enhance the current process is to ensure that the best scientific information is available for making decisions. There is no question that water data requires updating and expansion to ensure our economy grows and the quality of life is maintained in our rural counties.

[Never-mind the Condominium towers that stuck up Niagara Falls every day and we face serious issues now.]

This much needed updating is essential for future planning purposes, but must not be allowed to interfere with pending decision making in the State Engineer’s Office.

And, as the demand for water [and water data] continues to increase, water conservation measures become critical in managing and extending our water resources. Conservation programs do not require the public to necessarily give up certain water uses; rather they encourage the public to engage in those uses more efficiently. We must become more water aware, and I urge all Nevadans to participate in using this resource more wisely.

[Sorry, I’ll need time to gather more information before I can reach any conclusions here.]

I call upon the Legislature to pass a bill to prohibit the government from taking private property without the consent of the owner, and then conveying it to another private person or entity for redevelopment purposes.

[But we have question #2]

I also respectfully request that the Legislature pass a constitutional amendment as an alternative to Question 2 on last year’s ballot. This amendment should contain most of the provisions of Question 2 to protect property owners, but should modify some of the language which could cause significant delays and cost increases for our state and local transportation projects. Through the legislative hearing process, we should be able to find the proper way to balance the rights of property owners, taxpayers and motorists.

[So that’s why, you want to kill question 2, not part of One Nevada I guess.]

The Guinn Millennium Scholarship is one of the most important tools we have to enable the best and the brightest Nevada students to remain in Nevada for their higher education. The reality is that if we did nothing to save the program, it would be insolvent by 2013. I am directing an additional $5.6 million from unclaimed property receipts to shore up the scholarship fund and secure it for Nevada students far into the future. Part and parcel to stabilizing the Millennium Scholarship is acknowledgement that it must be streamlined in terms of eligibility standards, with greater emphasis placed on nursing, math, science and teaching degrees. I urge you to strengthen scholarship guidelines so Millennium Scholarships are available for our children’s children.

We have opened the doors to higher education through Millennium Scholarships, so we must be equally dedicated to raising standards, expectations and accountability in kindergarten through the 12th grade.

Although full-day kindergarten has been labeled a top priority by the state’s superintendents and others, I respect their opinion, but I believe the fiscally responsible approach is to continue to support the existing pilot program at current funding levels in at-risk schools and, therefore, I have committed $50 million to do so. I strongly support maintaining this pilot program and look forward to utilizing the next 24 months to assess its benefits, to measure how effective the program is, and to gauge the infrastructure demands of introducing full-day kindergarten throughout the state. If the results are positive, we will pursue it next session. If they are not, we will have exercised good fiscal policy.

Today the institution of public education needs bold and decisive leadership to better respond to the challenges that confront us. Our current standings in education on a national and worldwide front are simply unacceptable.

I propose an innovative yet proven education plan known as Empowerment which will directly address the majority of the long-standing challenges in public education today: falling graduation rates, parental participation, teacher recruitment, funding inequities and lack of resources in the classroom. Parents will be empowered with school choice for their children, while principals and teachers will be able to decide at the individual school level how best and most effectively to teach their own unique population of students. Through this powerful program, we will empower our educators to be more responsive to their schools’ individual circumstances and the diversity of their student populations. And, teachers will be equitably paid for a job well done, based on tangible measures, and rewarded for results in student achievement.

[Teach to tests, now with fresh lemony kick-backs]

Sitting with us tonight is the architect and father of the Edmonton Empowerment Program, Michael Strembitsky, who, for the better part of his adult life, has worked to change the education system parent by parent, teacher by teacher and student by student. We are so honored to have him here with us tonight. As Mr. Strembitsky can attest, in addition to raising achievement, the education empowerment model is fundamentally designed to increase both teacher pay and the prestige of becoming a teacher.

I will, therefore, be redirecting $60 million in the budget for an extensive Empowerment pilot program initially involving 100 schools that will be converting their operations to this bold new approach–an approach started in Canada 30 years ago and successfully working in New York City, Houston and San Francisco, where after five years, the San Francisco school district has shown steady growth and is now the top performing urban district in California.

[So 100 schools will be top quality while the rest are left to decay…60 million is a lot of folding money for so few school’s, I for one will be watching with interest.]

Join me in changing our education system with a single bold stroke.

Two weeks ago, an incident in Las Vegas served us with yet another stark reminder of the constant danger gun violence presents on or near our school campuses. I will work with the Legislature to increase funding for school security throughout the state. If children don’t feel safe at school, we cannot expect them to feel secure enough to learn.

Our higher education system has eight institutions–two universities, one state college, four community colleges and one research institute. One has a medical school, one a dental school, seven have nursing colleges, and there are at least 200 programs spread throughout all eight institutions that are directly related to health sciences. Not only have these programs never been coordinated under one administrative structure, they have competed against each other to the detriment of the entire System.

We need to centralize these health science programs under one coherent management plan, and to do it, I am providing $110 million for the University of Nevada Health Sciences System, while another $47 million in matching funds will be raised through private donors across the state. This model of public-private partnership will set a valuable precedent for the future of higher education for Nevada.

[And protect the big health industry from us pesky Nevada’s while subsidizing it with our tax dollars…]

There are too many Nevada highways becoming gridlocked, and transportation issues are increasingly central to the quality of life we enjoy. A well-functioning highway system is vital to Nevada’s economy and will be a major factor in how we move forward in the future.

My administration will aggressively pursue opportunities created through public-private cooperative efforts. To facilitate this, I have directed the Department of Transportation to create an Advisory Panel on Public-Private Initiatives to explore new opportunities for transportation improvements. Moreover, I have asked NDOT Director Susan Martinovich to make southern Nevada needs a priority for her department, including spending a considerable amount of her own time in Las Vegas, and she has agreed with great enthusiasm.

[Great enthusiasm because she will continue to live up north where gridlock is an unknown, To her credit she has agreed to telephone once a day to find out how traffic is flowing in Las Vegas.]

I am committing $170 million for highway projects that will be dedicated to help widen I-15 from the Spaghetti Bowl to the Apex Interchange, build new ramps at the I-15/215 Beltway interchange and an I-15 Freeway Management System, including message signs and closed-circuit television cameras. And in northern Nevada, we will be working toward widening I-80 from Robb to Vista and US 395 from the Spaghetti Bowl to Stead Boulevard.

[Let’s hope we have some serious oversight and work here, this is a critical project for Las Vegas]

An effort to fast-track proposed transportation projects must become the rule instead of the exception because bureaucratic delays dramatically increase the cost of each project, create job losses, and ultimately, we all suffer.

[That pesky question 2 land protection didn’t help either]

The Blue Ribbon Task Force evaluated Nevada’s growing transportation crisis and concluded that projects planned for 2008-2015 require at least an additional $3.8 billion in revenue. The Task Force’s “Roads to the Future” report was particularly useful and we will rely on it as a guideline going forward.

I wish to restate, however, that I will not support raising the gas tax.

No budget discussion is complete without working through the thicket of Medicaid and healthcare issues. Nevada’s Medicaid program provides essential health care services to low-income families as well as the frail, elderly and disabled. However, this entitlement program is increasingly consuming a larger share of the state budget. It is essential we reform Medicaid to assure it continues to provide health care services to so many in our community.

Many Nevadans in our Medicaid program find it increasingly difficult to access physician services they need. Fewer physicians are taking new Medicaid patients. Declining access is directly tied to how much Medicaid pays its physicians. On the national level, Congress recognized that reductions to Medicare physician fees would result in fewer doctors seeing patients.

Therefore, I am proposing to increase Nevada Medicaid physician payments up to the most recent federal Medicare fee schedule while also holding physicians responsible for the care they provide. At the same time, we need to encourage quality healthcare professionals and private healthcare providers to move to and stay in Nevada.

My budget proposes that individuals have access to a professional health care coordinator that would help them sort out our confusing health care system. Coordinating health care services in Medicaid is a key part of controlling Medicaid spending. However, we also need to explore alternatives for better managing what consumes almost 70 percent of the Medicaid budget. I propose we give Nevadans on Medicaid a choice in how they access their health care.

Clark County emergency rooms continue to have large numbers of mental health patients occupying beds in spite of significant service improvements, including the opening of the new Rawson Neal Psychiatric Hospital and the use of a state mobile crisis Assessment team to service local hospitals.

I am providing $7.5 million to assist in alleviating the ER crisis by opening an additional 22 acute care beds, bringing the total state funded beds in Clark County to 238.

My budget also provides for the continued funding of $2.8 million for triage centers in northern and southern Nevada. Triage centers reduce overcrowding and provide more efficient use of public and private resources.

My budget also provides six million dollars for funding of the mental health courts in Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City. These programs have contributed to reduced criminal activity and hospitalization of the severely mentally ill.

I am also providing ongoing funding for the 90 community residential beds in Las Vegas that were temporarily funded by the 2005 Legislature. The availability of these community beds allows for reduced inpatient stays in psychiatric hospitals, saves tax dollars, and reduces overcrowding of local emergency rooms.

Nevada continues to stand out as having the fastest growing senior population in the nation. I want to enhance the availability of community based services to allow seniors to live in their homes and communities, rather than in nursing homes. I propose to increase the three Medicaid waivers serving Nevadans age 60 plus by 15 percent to allow seniors more options for community living.

[These last few paragraphs I agree with in principle, it just seems a tad under-funded]

I agree with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, who said, “Every American should have access to a full range of information about the quality and cost of their health care options.” I believe everyone deserves to know both the quality and cost of his or her health care. Our communities, health care leaders and partners can join together to define and establish benchmarks for measuring quality care, understanding healthcare price, and the cost for care.

[Because living in the richest Nation the world has ever known…would it be asking to much to actually have access to the health care for every citizen, but we’re trying to get every citizen access to the cost information, at least…such progress.]

The 2005 Legislature passed Senate Bill 357 to fund treatment and prevention programs for problem gambling. Treatment programs previously available only in Las Vegas or Reno are now available in Elko, Ely, Fallon, Hawthorne, Lovelock, Pioche, and Stateline.

My budget includes funding to continue state-supported initiatives with full-time administrative staff to move Nevada from the back seat to the driver’s seat in responsible gambling.

[Perhaps Steven Colbert could help with a kid’s program?]

Two strategic areas that will receive special attention in my administration will be the needs for greater economic development and energy independence.

I have included in the executive budget $10 million in unclaimed property receipts to create a dynamic new economic development program, modeled after the hugely successful program in Georgia. Working with Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki, we will launch this new program to work with the best of Nevada’s research facilities in creating new high-tech/biotech and renewable energy types of industries. Funds will be used to hire world-class researchers who will bring their work to Nevada. This will provide high-end jobs for Nevadans and is ideally suited for the current 38,000 millennium scholars graduating in the coming years.

Rural Nevada businesses are often the engines for economic development and tourism in their rural communities, and my administration is examining creative ways to provide economic stimulus in rural Nevada. We need to look for more ways to increase energy independence because Nevada offers one of the best opportunities for the development of renewable energy. I applaud the action the Legislature took last session to ramp up the incentives for greater production of solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energy, but we also must increase the diversity and supply of all fuels and not allow ourselves to become too reliant on one fuel source.

After visiting with Wyoming Governor Freudenthal and seeing what his state is doing, I will encourage the creation of a coal-to-liquids fuels plant in Nevada, similar to the successful plant in Wyoming. It would use existing rail to transport coal to the plant and convert that coal to diesel and jet fuel for use at airports. It could also create natural gas to be injected into a natural gas pipeline for domestic use.

[Coal Mining – Interesting focus I’ll enjoy following this as well since coal-to-liquids fuel is very water intensive and you already stated Nevada has none; and oh yeah, we don’t have any coal deposits either…]

I will recommend continuing to provide incentives to the utilities to improve the environment, reduce greenhouse gases, stimulate job growth, hedge against fossil fuel volatility and help guarantee availability. Additionally, through executive order, I will direct State Purchasing to do more performance-based contracting on all state buildings for energy and water conservation retrofits. These efforts will be financed through the savings generated by conservation and require no additional state funds. And to accomplish these energy goals, we will need a stronger state energy office.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the first Lake Tahoe Summit, where our delegation, along with California, recognized the national treasure of Lake Tahoe and collectively made a $908 million commitment to protecting and enhancing this wonder of the Sierra.

I am pleased to report that Nevada has made good on that promise. To date, we have committed $72 million to environmental improvement projects in the Tahoe Basin, and the Lake is cleaner and clearer as a result. I support the final installment for the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program and, this summer, at the annual summit, we will reaffirm Nevada’s commitment to the protection of Lake Tahoe.

I will also be working with our delegation and the BLM toward preserving wildlife habitat after wildfires blackened more than 1.3 million acres across Nevada last year, primarily in Elko County, where most of the habitat damage occurred.

The last two years have seen significant tactical victories in our long and tough battle to keep Nevada from becoming the nation’s nuclear waste dump. That effort, with the leadership of our delegation, must continue, which is why I have doubled Nevada’s legal effort. As Senator Reid has said, now is not the time to claim victory, but rather to finish the job and end this unwise, unscientific and politically punitive program.

[Something all Nevada can agree on, are anyone that understands the destructive nature of these materials for that matter]

The voting public is concerned that there is not enough transparency in Nevada’s election process. These concerns often frustrate voters to a point where they choose not to participate in the political process altogether.

[Actually here in Clark County we did quite well, voter checked paper trail and all]

I intend to work with the Legislature and Secretary of State Ross Miller to develop an on-line system in which contributions are reported more frequently. Current state law only requires disclosure of contributions in excess of $100 three times annually.

[This I’d love to see; however, I doubt I’ll ever see a real implementation.]

That is not good enough. I will ask the Legislature to require that state candidates show their full Contributions and Expenses Report before early voting begins. Voters have a right to know who is financing campaigns before they cast a ballot.

[Good luck with that, you’re power is sorely lacking to accomplish such a goal; I’d kill to see it happen, but it’s unrealistic giving the current state of things]

During last year’s campaign, I met with many concerned Nevadans regarding legislation protecting our families from sex offenders. I will ask the Legislature to require out-of-state sex offenders to submit DNA samples, require registration prior to release from prison and 30-day re-registration for transient offenders, and expansion of the global positioning system program that forces pedophiles and sex offenders to wear bracelets so that they do not go undetected in our communities. As it should be, offenders would pick up the cost of the GPS bracelet as a condition of parole. I ask for your support in aggressively tracking these sexual predators that live among us.

[This is ACLU bait]

The surplus revenue that we have today came about because Nevada remains one of the best places in the world to relocate or grow a business. I believe it is my job to foster a business climate that encourages investment in our state and to have government help when necessary and get out of the way where possible.

[You’ve already proposed way too much of that, so far, I;ve yet to see anything that actually helps an individual working class resident in fact…]

Changing the way we view and fund education, creating fresh alternatives for affordable housing, broadening the Homestead Act, cracking down on sex offenders, strengthening the importance of public-private partnerships in government planning, reforming Medicaid, prioritizing transportation funding and doing it all without raising taxes…some have reported it as radical; I consider it responsible.

There is much to do–and tomorrow the budget committees begin their work. It will require a valiant effort by each of us, and a willingness to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that together, as one Nevada, we can do anything.

We will not always agree, but I give you my solemn word that when we do disagree, it will be with honor, respect and civility. Nevadans deserve no less.

[Unless it’s ONE NEVADA they disagree with or they are working class in which case they don’t count at all]

In closing, I can assure you that I have not forgotten my early life lessons about the power of partnership and the importance of the pioneer can-do attitude that makes us Nevadans different.

I am proud to be your Governor. God bless America. And God bless the Great State of Nevada. Thank you.

[Closing on pride, ideology and empty rhetoric, I’m skeptical of you as a Governor, but am sure all of Nevada will offer the scrutiny and responsiveness that your actions warrant.]

Posted by pokerprof at 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I’m giving the check mark to Governor Bill Richardson as the next President of the United States. A crazy predicition based on more fiction than fact? Maybe, but that’s just the way I see it. Yes I know he hasn’t even declared himself as a presidential candidate, but he will, probably sooner rather than later. I also know he has to receive the Democartic party nomination and he will, so all that’s left is victory at the polls and the early returns say that’s gonna happen, too.

Bill Richardson will provide the country with the healing leadership required to overcome the eight years of carnage from Tex Junior’s run amok run of the executive office. Richardson has also demonstrated numerous times his successful negotiation skills at the national and world level. He is known as the man that can get the cronically differing factions to sit down, talk and agree to common sense solutions. He is a diplomat of the highest order with impeccable credentials.

And his other qualifications for the office? (Any qualifications at all places him way ahead of the last guy.) He’s served in Congress, filled a presidential cabinet post and is currently serving as Governor of New Mexico. Bill Richardson is the guy you call when you’re out of options and there’s a critical job that must be done.

I will be looking closely at the qualifications, accomplishments and life of Governor Bill Richardson and providing my findings here.

Posted by flipchipro at 7:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Several interesting developments, the cover story of every Newspaper, Television broadcast and even blog is the UMC missing millions. Under investigation since 2005 this has just now come to boil. Using health care as a vehicle for fraud and corruption is one of the most prevalent and most disturbing practices I know of. This is a sickness that I’d love to see a cure for, a cure which I believe requires leeches and/or amputation applied to nether regions…

The Las Vegas city council has extended the temporary liquor license for the Crazy Horse Too once again, Steve Miller is none too pleased. [KTNV]

Finally, I noted a payday loan owned by James Marchesi is in a tiff with the city of North Las Vegas, for now the judicial has (mostly) sided with Mr. Marchesi. [LVBP]

Posted by pokerprof at 3:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid came into town this weekend to solidify the ‘Key Test for the Westt’ billing for Nevada political future, at least from the Democratic stand-point. As it stands Carson City will kick off a series of forums (2) and debates (3). The final of which is set for Jan 15 here in Vegas, just ahead of the Jan 19th caucus. [NC Times][LA Times][Gleaner]

Posted by pokerprof at 12:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Can’t see this video? Click here.

Make of this definition dispute what you will, it’s good to see some measure of reform in the Senate.

For the whole story I suggesting starting with the Citizens against Government Waste section on earmark’s.

Posted by pokerprof at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

[Editors Note: Check out our Consumer Eletronics Show Coverage and photos -Prof]

Reported in the Los Angeles Times. Apparently the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco has launched an investigation of U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan of Las Vegas who awarded more than $4.8 million in judgments and fees without disclosing his personal, political and business ties to the beneficiaries of the awards.

This investigation comes in the wake of a story also reported by the Times in June where eight former and current Las Vegas Judges, including Mahan, were involved in scandalous behavior.

Some of the activities of the judges included one judge who consistently overturned drunken driving convictions for clients of his former law clerk, while upholding convictions of others

This led to one reform by an angry Nevada Supreme Court; Judges must disclose their relationship to former law clerks appearing before them as attorneys for at least three years after the clerkship.

At the same time the Review Journal reported on Monday that the Nevada Supreme Court has demanded that the State Bar pursue disciplinary action against attorney Phillip Emerson for his courtroom arguments to a jury which follows:
“This is a case where the plaintiffs are trying get something for nothing … it’s cases like this that make people skeptical and distrustful of lawyers and their clients who bring these types of lawsuits. It’s a big factor as to why our profession is not as honorable in the eyes of the public as it once was. But the only way that people and their chiropractors will stop bringing these cases is if juries start saying no, enough is enough. Our legal process is meant to justly compensate and make one whole, not to make them rich.”

And not least, there appears to have been an event recently in one district courtroom where a former NFL footballer stated that he believed that the attorney which represented his LLC in the sale of a nightclub also took payments from the party trying to buy the nightclub. It seems that the attorney may have actually sued the other party for not paying the full amount agreed upon. The attorney in question apparently is a former president of the Nevada State Bar Association and chair for the Advisory Committee for proposed rule changes in civil procedure in 2004.

It would seem that as long as you are getting rich from the practice of law, the court will scarcely glance at your behavior, but try to get in the way of an attorney’s big contingency fee and the Nevada Supremes will slap you silly.

Posted by Zounds Off at 3:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I saw this story in over a thousand places today, and, I’m honestly not that surprised by either the incident or the attention. Las Vegas has some rough areas and attracts some less then stable people. It’s a shame that school security isn’t taken more seriously, of course, according to some “this was not a school shooting. It was a road rage incident that occurred a couple of blocks from the school and just happened to end at the high school.” This is according to the Police Officer Jose Montoya. It also just happened to involve a student, so a student on school property isn’t a school shooting how exactly?

Las Vegas Police are looking for a male in a blue Ford Mustang.

That this receives National attention shows how rare incidents of this type continue to be.

Posted by pokerprof at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the short time I’ve followed Jim Gibbons (about 3 weeks before the November elections) he’s engaged in several deceptions ancd questionable practices.

First it was the waitress incident, which I seriously doubt anyone will know the facts of while the parties are still living, that something happened is a certainty.

Next the illegal immigrant housekeeper, the real story is again an unknown, however, something happened.

Now, the midnight swearing in ceremony; wherein the first excuse for this decidedly odd procedure that pops into Gibbons’ head is Terrorism?!. Be real Governor, and have a little more faith in the intellect and perception of the voter.

Why couldn’t he tell the truth, that he wanted to change some appointments and policies; and, the only way to do this was the midnight ceremony. This I could understand and, in fact, such a show of honesty would have really improved my opinion of him. Gibbons’ appointment seems to be more qualified and less bias then Guinn’s on the face of prior experience (outlined below). Of course, his terrorism lie greatly increases my interest as to why he felt the need to try and cover up what would otherwise seem like a politically honest (is that an oxymoron?) move on Gibbons part.

Here’s a thumbnail of the two appointees, Guinn’s first then Gibbons.

Keith Munro (this link will die soon)
1991 JD from Oklahoma City University School of Law
1993 Deputy Attorney General and Capital Case Coordinator for the Office of the Nevada Attorney General
1993-2000 (criminal prosecutor, a civil litigator, and as general legal counsel for the Department of Prisons)
2000-2003 – Gov. Office General Counsel
2003-2006 – Deputy Chief of Staff
2006 Kenny Guinn’s Chief of StaffRandall Sayre
1975 University of Nevada, Reno, with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
1980 Masters Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University
1981-1990 – “employed by the Gaming Control Board”
June 1990 – appointed to Chief of the Investigations Division of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board
1999-Present Appointed to the Standing Committee on Judicial Ethics and Election Practices by Governor Kenny Guinn

For me it would seem on the surface that Sayre is far more qualified to deal with the complex issues faced by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Finally, to Gov. Gibbons I plead…
Gibbons, you continually draw the scrutiny of Nevada, especially now that your it’s Chief Executive Officer, the Governor, please, consider the office and it’s importance as Nevada enters a period of economic downturn and is faced with new and emerging threats to gaming, it’s leading industry, from abroad. So, stop acting bat-shit crazy and stop with the cellophane lies, they only hurt. Hurt you as a person, hurt the Governorship as an office and most espically hurt Nevada as a state where I happen to be a concerned resident. It’s not too late to change your ways! Oh… and about that redbull you drank, I have serveral close Mormon friends and caffeine is a big no-no… how Mormon are you, sir?

Of course the fact that you have two blogs dedicated to his political demise, No Gibbons and Vote Gibbons Out leaves me less then optimistic here.

See Also: Las Vegas Gleaner

You Should be reading: Rag Hand

Posted by pokerprof at 8:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another top level executive takes his leave from Harrah’s Entertainment. COO Tim Wilcott departs today bringing to three the number of top level managers to take a hike. Flipchip has taken a look at the Las Vegas news for this first week of 2007 and posted on the Poker Prof’s Las Vegas & Poker Blog.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jim Gibbons has appointed (former) lobbiest, Mendy Elliot as the Director of the Department of Business & Industry. I’m sure bankers are in a state of euphoric glee.

Gibbons has also altered the State employee raises for the next two years, changing it from a 3% this year and 3% next year to 2% and 4% respectively. A change that will reportedly save Nevada 31 million dollars. Also, being back on the DHS high risk list is apparently all Gibbons doing, according to his press release.

Finally Gibbons secret midnight inauguration has a logical explanation, it allows Gibbons to review outgoing Governor Guinn’s appointments to the almost omnipotent Gaming Control Board, which is exactly what he is doing. [VGO]

Mr. Gibbons, the eyes of Nevada are on you, and we’re entering an age when that means something.

Next up, is Rep Shelley Berkley is being made a Senior Whip, which in addition to her coveted Ways and Means committee seat makes her quite a powerhouse. [LVG]

Finally, Harry Reid is more than in the news these days as the Senate Majority Leader. I found a fair summary of the contradiction that is Harry Reid. And hope he seriously considers the ramifications of being party to sending more troops into Vietnam Iraq… meaning if we continue to see the status quo or (as I expect) an escalation in the death toll the American People will be hard pressed to forgive those who empowered George Bush to expand this mess… you don’t put out a grease fire by throwing more grease on it.

Posted by pokerprof at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Will the promises be kept? 100 hours for the agenda, starting with ethics reform…

Not included in the agenda is Iraq, for which Bush proposes a troop surge…

Posted by pokerprof at 2:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tim Maland, most recently the President of the Reno Hilton is moving to the public sector as Nevada’s Director of Tourism. With a background in accounting and over 30 years experience in the Nevada gaming industry, Maland has worked at the executive level in both Reno and Las Vegas. Mr. Maland beat out Larry Friedman and Skip Sayre, the other finalists for the position and replaces outgoing director Bruce Bommarito. Bommarito is now the vice president of international planning for the TIA (Travel Industry Association) where he is “already being accused of showing favoritism towards Nevada Interests”. [IBLV & RGJ]

Tim Maland’s campaign contributions show support for Nevada politicians on both sides of the isle along with a sizable contribution to the Caesars’ PAC.

In short, I could hardly ask for a more qualified and successful individual for the position, and with Mr. Bommarito at the TIA, Nevada’s Tourism Industry has a bright future indeed.

Posted by pokerprof at 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mr. Chief Justice, Lieutenant Governor Krolicki, members of the State Senate and Assembly, honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, constitutional officers, distinguished guests, members of my family, my fellow Nevadans:

First, on behalf of our State, I would like us to take a moment now to express our gratitude to the men and women who are serving in uniform, not only in this state but also around the world, making sacrifices every day to preserve and protect freedom and democracy.

Also, please join me in saluting President Gerald Ford. His lifetime was dedicated in service to God, Country, and freedom. America was blessed to have his leadership and wisdom at a very difficult time in our nation’s history.

Next, I wish to thank my predecessor, Governor Guinn, for his many years of service to Nevada.

[Even though he snubbed me and didn’t come]

Today, we celebrate the democratic transfer of power from one administration to another.

It is a transfer that was born in the fall and celebrated in the winter, here today; and which by its very nature, heralds the hope of coming Spring and the Summer that follows.

[Spring will be overcast with a smattering of scandals, Summer should see things heat up for the new Gov.]

We now have a unique opportunity and challenge–to take the nearly 143 years of growth and progress that has created the Nevada of today, and set a course for the future.

[Because 139 years was just so blase]

A future that brings together the diverse communities and citizens of this great state into a common cause- One Nevada. Together we can create a new ideal of what it is to live the American Dream.

[Except in Pahrump, there not big on the diversity thing]

One Nevada is a place where all of our communities set aside what separates us, and embrace what unites us from our citizens who mine the earth, drive trucks along our highways, or serve our tourists in our hotels, to those that teach in our schools and those who enforce our laws, we come together ONE Nevada.

[To pick up waitresses, abuse the public trust and make the Top Scandal Lists take just ONE Gibbons]

We are striving to create a better state that will continue to be the envy of all those who seek hope and the opportunity for themselves and their families.

[Nothing brings hope better then a slot machine]

In order to achieve real results for all Nevadans, I know I must reach across the aisle, and understand that the shared patriotism I have with each person here today does not create barriers but builds bridges.

[Clark County you’re too damn blue, especially you…Las Vegas]

In order to reclaim the American Dream for all Nevadans, to truly have One Nevada- we must not only build these bridges- we must cross them together.

[Especially when they’re built near land owned by public officials]

We must not allow the interest of one part of the State to override
the concerns of another. Some would call that politics. I would call it turning our backs on the lessons of history, for any great society that pits one group against another is bound to fail.

[Indeed, enough of this two-party crap!]

The test of leadership is to find common ground and then to lead the way. That challenge, to find One Nevada is one that we shall not shrink from.

[Leadership should lead!? How prophetic…]

When Nevada’s first Governor, James Nye, placed his hand upon the Bible, he affirmed that the supreme executive power of this state shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate, and he solemnly swore to see that all laws are faithfully executed.

[Would that be 143 years ago?]

It is this same oath that I have taken, and I am equal to the challenge.

[So you’re a prophet, let’s see how your prediction holds up]

On that day in 1864, Governor Nye initiated a long-lasting tradition for governors who, in addition to their constitutional duties, assumed the enormous task of leading the people of Nevada – a tradition of striking the right balance and course for our fledgling population, and determining this rugged western state’s destiny.

[Casinos, Casinos, Casinos!]

In the past fifty years, our governors have strived to improve upon what Governor Nye and others had begun. They made the tough decisions; together they oversaw the greatest expansion in Nevada’s history and they contributed mightily to the protection of the Nevada way of life.

[They also oversaw the worst times our State has seen … think about it]

“Letting Nevadans decide what is best for Nevada” is a hallmark of our state that has guided each governor that has served before me, and it shall guide my administration just the same.

[Unless it involves limiting government spending, of course]

Let us strive to strike a balance between listening to the people and governing them. In Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural address as Governor of California, he said that “when those who are governed do too little, those who govern can – and often will – do too much.”

[So..either we watch you or you do ‘too much’? At least your agenda is made clear…]

Fortunately, for the past 143 years, this state has been blessed with leaders who knew just how much to govern and with citizens who set the path for them to be led. That is the balance that we must strive for every day.

[Because we are the utopian idea for all of the universe…kneel non-Nevadans and bask in the glory of our eternal governing perfection]

All of us must share a common vision of one Nevada – which can only become a reality if we agree upon what promises that vision entails.

[Because only through group-think can I control the sheep.]

It is a promise to make all decisions with fiscal discipline and strive to renew our faith in the American Dream, a dream of home ownership, safe streets and bountiful opportunity.

[We’re #1, We’re #1, Nevada is #1… in home foreclosures]

Posted by pokerprof at 5:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

John Edwards made his stop in Reno, Nevada the other day and drew a ‘larger then expected’ audience. John Kerry’s 2004 Vice Presidential running mate outlined his priorities to the enthralled crowd (Poverty, Healthcare, Education and Global Warming cf. The Budget). Oh, he also wants 40,000-50,000 of our 170,000+ troops out of Iraq ASAP. This seems a hideous compromise number where-by too few troops are withdrawn making an already difficult environment far more deadly for the remaining troops. If we are to withdraw from the region it must be a total exit leaving behind only the necessary resources to protect the critical infrastructure (oil pipes)… and I don’t believe 100,000+ combat troops is needed for this. The Edward’s plan for Iraq is one of the few I’ve heard that’s actually worse on its face than the status quo.

The most interesting aspect of this first-tier candidate’s Nevada visit was, at least for me, his shift in media focus from traditional print to the ‘new’ media, namely blogs.

As a blogger I am beyond thrilled to see the attention showered upon fellow bloggers; however, I believe Edwards made a serious error when he choose to provide his only exclusive one-on-one interview to Reno and It’s Discontents (an excellent read). Why? Because the traditional print media is antagonistic towards bloggers. ‘The Big Media Blog Bias’ will adversely impact opinions of candidates that choose to embrace the Internet venues as deserving of equal attention, or in Edwards case superior attention.

The problem for Edwards is that, although media power is becoming more viral and less centralized, the scales have not yet (and may never) tip away from the existing central press organizations. A single AP or Reuters correspondent will be disproportionately influential in shaping public opinion and the AP had an underwhelming assessment of your bid for candidacy.

To John Edwards I say… “If you had only one interview to give at a minor function such as this Reno meeting then give it to the people with the most reach… give it to the AP/Reuters. If you have two give one to the AP and one to a blogger. If you have three give one to the AP, one to a blogger and one to a local traditional print (preferably the one with the largest and most open web presence). Now, always make sure you give at least two interviews and you’re in good shape.”

In other news outgoing Governor Guinn is skipping Gibbons inauguration, Gleaner is keeping an eye on Gibbons, and I believe the attention and scrutiny are far more meritorious then his recent conduct.