State of the State Address from Governor Jim Gibbons

Comments

February 7, 2010 at 8:49 pm

(1) Sam King :

2010 has driven home the fact that Nevadans can no longer depend upon, nor operate under 20th Century rules. Nevadans pioneered a unique way of life conquering and living as partners in our desert, building communities populated by rugged determined individuals and funded by boom economies. Nevada became a state as our nation waged a civil war. Mining, ranching, gaming, real estate, business entrepreneurs, military enterprises; Nevada embraced economic endeavors that provided high risk and big returns. Stakes were high. There were big winners. Unfortunately there were and continue to be casualties under the present system. Infrastructure and sustainability were triaged. Nevada lived up to the values and mindset of Battle Born.
The reality is that now in the 21st Century, infrastructure and sustainability can no longer survive as we wait for and bet on the next boom. Quality of life issues are front and center, requiring a solid strategy.
A biennial legislature meets every other year, while interim committees, councils and advisory commissions and special sessions called by the Governor, result in a history of short term solutions every year. Campaign sound bites are expensive public relations tools, effective in the short term, undermining public trust after November elections.
The cure depends upon fixing our out-dated tax structure once the 2011 tax package sunsets in 2011. State and local Government operations should work together not as competitors. Home rule is on the table and a viable option as long as transparency, fiscal support and accountability are the outcome. Embracing new economic opportunities with high return and high risk are part of economic diversity but must be curbed by consequences that impact infrastructure and sustainability. Environment- friendly business opens the door to opportunities. Public Education is a fundamental right for citizens of Nevada. All children must be afforded adequate, equitable education or we will never meet the needs of a 21st Century work force. I offer that education is our greatest Civil Rights issue of the 21st Century and the key to economic recovery. We will be outsourced by competitors when our citizens cannot compete; because they lack an academic and technology enriched foundation grounded in our P-20 education systems. Lifelong learning is necessary, not an option.
Government in Nevada must provide what individuals cannot provide for themselves which includes services for those in need—children, the elderly, the disabled, casualties of the economic boom cycle and those, through no fault of their own, who are ill. The justice system in Nevada should not be the alternative to a quality education. Juvenile justice is part of true education reform. Health care is part of quality of life and touches everyone. Without accessible quality medical service, Nevada will never be competitive, nor ready for the next boom economy. Taxes are necessary for services. Nevada has a history of lean service systems. We are now at a crossroads. There have been numerous studies to support that Nevada must reform its tax system. Taxes are a legislative responsibility.
Quality of life issues are supported by all in the abstract. Concrete solutions are difficult nevertheless the best remedy and worth the effort. Nevadans hope for and deserve better.
We are hopeful, that Governor Gibbons and our elected officials find common ground and the best possible short -term solutions in the upcoming special session while setting the rules of engagement for true reform and solutions in 2011.
Respectfully,

Sam King, President, League of Women Voters of Nevada