Politics
AB 312: An Abuse of Power
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Tue, 05/07/2013 - 5:07pmAB 312 which is now currently before the Senate Government Affairs Commission, and was submitted by Republican Assemblyman and former member of the Carson City Board of Supervisors, Pete Livermore, strikes at the very heart of our democracy.
It is a despicable piece of legislation motivated more by vindictiveness on his part towards the citizens of Carson City, coupled in part by his ineffectiveness as a state legislator.
Same-Sex Marriage Draws Big Support at Capitol
Submitted by Nevada Media Alliance on Tue, 03/26/2013 - 5:04pmby NATASHA VITALE
The emotion and tension inside the legislature building was reflected in many young couples’ faces on Tues. as they sat side by side, some holding hands throughout the meeting as one by one, as community leaders and citizens testified to show their support for same-sex marriage.
Attorney Blogger Sean McDonald Delves into NV Legislature
Submitted by Nevada Media Alliance on Mon, 03/25/2013 - 3:35pmby RILEY SNYDER
Achievement Unlocked: Report the First Month of 77th Session
Submitted by Nevada Media Alliance on Tue, 02/26/2013 - 10:54pmby MOLLY MOSER
I spent most of January studying the faces of each Senatorial and Assembly lawmaker. I also tried to force myself to understand some of the bills, but I figured it would be better to just get the idea of it and learn along the way (which I did, and it worked). Reporting on big Nevada politics is new to me, and I’m eager to learn more.
Launch Week
Submitted by Nevada Media Alliance on Fri, 02/08/2013 - 10:21amby RILEY SNYDER
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned about myself during my very short career in journalism, it’s that I love to cover politics. Over last summer, I did everything from arguing with editors at my internship on the value of driving hundreds of miles to cover a candidate’s stump speech, to doing some of the area’s only coverage on school board elections, and live-tweeting City Council meetings for hours on end. I have an insatiable appetite for covering elections, governments, and everything in between.
Carson City betting on new startups; 'incubator 1' aims to diversify lagging economy
Submitted by editor on Wed, 02/06/2013 - 4:18amAs the capital of the Silver State, gambling is ingrained within Carson City’s DNA. Now, the city is making one of its boldest bets yet — turning an area known more for being the seat of Nevada politics into a viable location for startup companies.
Immigration 'Reforms'? Real Reform Is As Simple As 1-2-3-4
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Wed, 01/30/2013 - 3:04pmSynopsis
1. Secure the borders.
2. Quit politicizing immigration and illegal immigration.
3. Turn off the magnet to illegal immigration.
4. Put an end to “anchor babies.”
Introduction
As an immigrant and a naturalized U.S. citizen myself, with several generations of U.S. citizens in my extended family tree and none left in Europe, I am writing to express my most vehement protest against the proposed “reforms” in our immigration laws that are being announced at the present time, whether they come from the president or Congress.
Opinion: Deconstructing Agenda 21
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Sun, 01/06/2013 - 6:53pmIn his classic essay, entitled The Paranoid Style in American Politics, Richard Hofstadler, succinctly stated the following:“We are all sufferers from history, but the paranoid is a double sufferer, since he is afflicted not only by the real world, with the rest of us, but by his fantasies as well.”
Dare to Touch PERS Reform, Anyone?
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Tue, 12/25/2012 - 6:26pmNow here is a story that SHOULD make your blood boil, especially because for some reason the story “hit” on Christmas Eve.
Pension Politics: California system plays hard ball in court – Opinion – ReviewJournal.com
http://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/pension-politics-california-system-...
From the Publisher
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Mon, 12/17/2012 - 2:18pmReaders, Colleagues, Media Partners & Friends:
It is with deep appreciation for your help, encouragement, readership and support over the past three years that I am tasked with announcing the suspension of operations at the Nevada News Bureau.
In short, we have been unable to secure the funds we would need to continue operating in 2013. Such is life, sometimes, in the non-profit world.
Letter: The Amendment To Overturn The 'Citizens United' Decision
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Tue, 12/11/2012 - 9:28amThe article on the web page Citizens United Petition delivered to Carson City leaders in Carson Now states that 300 cities and 11 states are passing around a resolution for a constitutional amendment to overturn this Supreme Court decision.
Envying The Fun In The Editor's Office
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Tue, 11/27/2012 - 3:11pmThe editor must have been enjoying some holiday cheer. Sometimes I envy the guy, he sure has a fun job. Consider the last few postings. 1. ...and deservedly so! | Carson City Nevada News - Carson Now http://carsonnow.org/reader-content/11/23/2012/and-deservedly-so Absolutely right. As the author says, there is no cure for willful ignorance. Before I give in to the temptation of pointing to this letter as one obvious illustration of that dictum, let me ask the following questions:
Rebirth of a relic: Whig Party rises again in Nevada
Submitted by editor on Sat, 11/24/2012 - 1:12pmIn fringe politics, throwbacks are in fashion. Libertarians gained strength in their call to return to original constitutional principles when Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, a believer in the cause, championed it in the 2012 campaign. Tea Partyers have donned tricorn hats and called for revolutions like it’s 1776.
Yet despite the surge of historical homage, no one in Nevada actually has tried to resuscitate a past political movement.
Until now.
....and deservedly so!
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Fri, 11/23/2012 - 3:20pmAs a classical conservative and former broadcaster, I am always highly amused when I hear the extreme right wing commentators who proudly claim and boast of their ratings dominance throughout the spectrum of modern media. The structural core of their argument is that the “ratings” reflect the mood of America.
Unfortunately, those who are incapable of thinking for themselves and rely on these outlets for their political information, and who kneel in complete supplication at their altars, do so at their own peril. But,then again, there is no known cure for willful ignorance.
Professionals in Nevada Escape Their Local Economy Online
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Thu, 11/15/2012 - 4:25pmA new report released by Elance on November 14, shows that U.S. professionals in economically hard-hit areas like Carson City with 11.6 percent unemployment are tapping online resources like Elance to escape their local economies and get back to work.
Updated Voter Registrations in Nevada by Party
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Thu, 10/25/2012 - 1:34pmThe Secretary of State, Ross Miller, has posted updated information on voter registration in Nevada, as of Oct 2012, broken down by party and counties. According to Secretary Miller, Nevada registered voters total slightly more than one and a half million. The breakdown is approximately 42% Democrat, 34% Republican and 24% Others. For either major party to win it requires a substantial percentage of independent or unaffiliated voters unless some voters fail to cast their ballots.
Historic Comstock era Grosh letters to be discussed Thursday at Nevada State Museum
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Tue, 10/16/2012 - 1:31pm
Event Date:
October 18, 2012 - 6:30pm CARSON CITY — Two bright, educated men from Philadelphia headed west in 1849 to discover their fortunes before there was such a thing as the Comstock Lode. Leaving behind letters that chronicled their victories and heartbreaks, Ethan and Hosea Grosh ventured into Nevada’s Gold Canyon, finding silver and tragedy around the corner.
Political sign vandalism becoming more targeted, heated says Carson City Sheriff
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 10/15/2012 - 2:07pm
Every political season brings out the candidate yard signs and every season, it seems, where Carson City residents are asked to vote, the ugly side of politics rears its head with vandalism. This year is no different. But what has changed over the years has been the aggressive nature of it, said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.
Chamber hosts candidate forum for Carson City Supervisor races
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Fri, 10/12/2012 - 2:33pmLocal politics gets into full swing when the Carson City Chamber of Commerce will host its Soup's On Supervisor Candidate Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 23. Featured at the luncheon will be the contestants for the Carson City Supervisor Ward 2 race, Brad Bonkowski and Dennis Johnson and Ward 4 contestants incumbent Molly Walt and Jim Shirk. Questions will be fielded from the audience.
The forum will be at Gold Dust West, 2171 U.S. Highway 50 East in Carson City. The cost is $15 per person in advance and $20 at the door. RSVP by Oct. 19. Call (775) 882-1565. See the flier below.
Celebration planned for rare, historic Grosh letters made public in new Nevada book
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 10/01/2012 - 4:03pm
Event Date:
October 13, 2012 - 2:00pm Two bright, educated men from Philadelphia headed west in 1849 to discover their fortunes before there was such a thing as the Comstock Lode. Leaving behind letters that chronicled their victories and heartbreaks, Ethan and Hosea Grosh ventured into Nevada’s Gold Canyon, finding silver and tragedy around the corner.
Heller Says Online Gaming Bill Should Not Be Political Football In Run-up To General Election
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Tue, 09/25/2012 - 3:33pmCARSON CITY – U.S. Sen. Dean Heller today said online gaming legislation critical to the future of Nevada’s economy should be removed from the world of politics so partisan fights don’t “poison the water” for the bill’s future in Congress.
Heller, interviewed on the Nevada NewsMakers television program, said the legislation is too important to be subjected to political fights between himself and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid between now and the Nov. 6 general election.
Carson City to host Traveling Vietnam Wall in October
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Sat, 09/22/2012 - 2:59pm
Event Date:
October 25, 2012 (All day) The Vietnam War was fought between 1959 and 1975. The history of which is still being written, as is the legacy of the Vietnam Veteran.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. stands as a symbol of America's honor and recognition of the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War.
Meet and Greet Fundraiser for Brad Bonkowski
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Tue, 09/11/2012 - 10:18am
Event Date:
September 13, 2012 (All day) Carson City Supervisor Ward 2 Candidate Brad Bonkowski will hold a Meet and Greet Fundraising event Thursday, September 13th from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Mi Casa Too Restaurant on North Carson Street. The public is invited to come and meet Bonkowski and ask questions about the issues facing Carson City. A $20.00 donation includes appetizers and a margarita or beer.
Former candidate and School Board Trustee Stacie Wilke McChulloch will also be on hand to announce her endorsement of Bonkowski in the Ward 2 race.
Ryan Tells Sparks Crowd Nation Needs New Leadership
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Fri, 09/07/2012 - 2:55pmSPARKS – Fresh on the heels of another disappointing jobs report, Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan held a brief rally here today, telling a crowd of 2,500 at a local small business that President Obama needs to be replaced to get the country back on track.
Barbara Vucanovich, First Woman From Nevada To Serve In Congress, Honored At Reno Dinner
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Sat, 08/18/2012 - 9:20pmRENO – Friends, family and political colleagues gathered today to honor and pay tribute to the first woman to serve in Congress from Nevada, the now 91-year-old Barbara Vucanovich.
About 250 guests gathered at Rancharrah for the celebratory dinner, which not coincidentally raised a healthy sum for Republican candidates in the November general election.
Republican Budget Would Eliminate Volunteer Programs
Submitted by admin on Fri, 08/10/2012 - 12:05pmTalk about a “dog with a bone”!
The Republican House of Representatives has once again voted to eliminate the Corporation for National and Community Service (“CNCS”). The first time they did this, the Senate voted it down and you would have thought that’s that.
Sen. Heller Gets National, Local Chamber Endorsement As Rep. Berkley Touts Her Own Business Support
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Thu, 08/09/2012 - 2:57pmSPARKS – U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., showed up at a Sparks floral shop today to receive the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in his reelection bid against Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev.
The national endorsement was made by former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, who said the choice was clear for the organization.
Clean Energy Summit Sparks Political Events, Debate Over Government Role In Renewables
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Tue, 08/07/2012 - 2:10amCARSON CITY – With U.S. Sen. Harry Reid’s 5th annual National Clean Energy Summit set to kick off today in Las Vegas, the debate over alternative energy development and the government’s role in its future rages on.
On Ron Knecht and the PUC
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Fri, 07/27/2012 - 11:35amDespite more than 10 years of outstanding service as a PUC senior economist, my friend Nevada Regent Ron Knecht was fired in March by the PUC bureaucrats, with no reason given and no announcement made.
This story was then intentionally leaked to the press, so that it would be reported just before voting started in Mr. Knecht’s primary re-election campaign. Ron won the primary handily, because voters are very aware his outstanding record, fine character, and dedication to public service.
President Obama Touts His Accomplishments For Veterans, Military In Reno Visit
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Mon, 07/23/2012 - 4:27pmRENO – President Obama told members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars today that he has fulfilled the promises he made four years ago to make America safer, strengthen jobs programs for returning military personnel and fight homelessness, suicide and posttraumatic stress disorder among the nation’s veterans.
Harvey Whittemore Indicted by Federal Grand Jury
Submitted by admin on Wed, 06/06/2012 - 2:48pmCARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Harvey Whittemore, a developer and one-time powerbroker in Nevada politics, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Reno on criminal charges related to campaign finance contributions.
Candidates For State Education Board Seat Bring Diverse Backgrounds To Race
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 9:21amCARSON CITY – With education reform a top priority of Gov. Brian Sandoval, the new alignment of the state Board of Education – with four seats up for grabs on the November ballot – is taking on more importance than ever before.
One of the four seats, District 2 which mirrors the new Nevada 2nd Congressional District from Reno and Carson City east across rural Nevada, has attracted five candidates, two of whom are serving now on the 10-member elected board. The race is nonpartisan.
Memorial Saturday in Silver City for legendary broadcaster, hellraiser and satirist Travus T. Hipp
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 05/24/2012 - 2:26pm
Services for legendary radio commentator Travus T. Hipp will be held this Saturday, May 26, in Silver City. Hipp died early Friday morning, May 18, at his Silver City home. He was 75, as old as the Golden Gate Bridge in his beloved San Francisco.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 26, in Silver City. Gathering, gnoshing and remembering will begin at the Silver City Community Center, 385 High Street, at 10:00 a.m. Food and refreshments will be provided. Those who wish may bring more.
Assembly Republican Leadership Calls For More Campaign Finance Transparency
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Mon, 05/21/2012 - 1:28pmCARSON CITY – The leader of the Assembly Republican Caucus today used a Tuesday reporting deadline for candidates running for election this year to announce several proposals to require more accountability and transparency in the financing of campaigns in Nevada.
U.S. Sen. Dean Heller Calls On Congress To Continue Defunding Of Yucca Mountain
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Tue, 04/24/2012 - 1:43pmCARSON CITY – U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., today sent a letter to the chairmen and ranking members of both the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations asking them to continue defunding the proposed high level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.
Editorial: Tax policy done wrong
Submitted by admin on Sun, 04/15/2012 - 7:08amLaying the politics and the merits of any of the proposals aside, Nevadans should be concerned that this is the way tax policy is being debated — in dueling initiative petitions and not in Carson City. This isn't the way things should work.
Nugget Project: It's about the money
Submitted by admin on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 2:07pmThere are enough nuggets buried inside the Nevada Appeal's follow-up story today on the Carson City Center Project — aka Nugget Project — to keep heads in this town spinning for a week.
Don't fear vote on Nugget Project
Submitted by admin on Sat, 04/07/2012 - 1:48pmJust because you can do something doesn't mean you should do it.
That's the basis of the argument being put forward by some of the more vocal supporters of the Carson City Center Project, aka Nugget Project, as they try to fight back the attempt to put the issue on the November ballot.
They would be wise to follow their own advice.
State Sen. Greg Brower Criticizes His Opponent For ‘Quitting’ On Her Constituents
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Mon, 03/19/2012 - 2:21pmCARSON CITY – State Sen. Greg Brower, R-Reno, today criticized his Democrat challenger for “quitting” on her constituents when she resigned her Senate seat and then filed to run against him. Brower is running for election to a full four-year term in what is now Washoe District 15 after the state’s legislative districts were redrawn following the 2010 census. Leslie, who was in the middle of a four-year term in what is now Senate District 13, formerly Washoe Senate 1, resigned when she moved into District 15. She then filed for election to the Senate 15 seat.
Bill Raggio represented a more collegial era of Nevada politics
Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/27/2012 - 11:56pmTo say Nevada will never see another politician like Bill Raggio isn't hyperbole. It's fact.
By the time Raggio took over as majority leader of the state Senate, in 1987, he had already spent 15 years in the Legislature. Today, because of term limits, lawmakers are out of office after 12 years.
...
Outpouring Of Appreciation And Respect From Nevadans For Legacy Of Late Sen. Bill Raggio
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 3:12pmCARSON CITY – Here is a selection of comments made by Nevada public officials today following the announcement of the death of former state Sen. Bill Raggio:
U.S. Sen. Dean Heller: “I am deeply saddened by the death of Bill Raggio. There are no words to describe his dedication to the state of Nevada and I wish to express my deepest condolences and prayers for his wife Dale, and his family. Bill was a true statesman who dedicated his life to making Nevada a better place to live. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come.”
Former State Sen. Bill Raggio, Lion Of Nevada Politics, Dead At 85
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 9:46amCARSON CITY – Bill Raggio, a lion of Nevada politics and the state’s longest-serving state senator, passed away during a trip to Australia on Thursday. He was 85.
Officials from around the state expressed sorrow and sympathy for Raggio’s family when news of the loss of the highly-regarded lawmaker was first reported by Las Vegas Sun columnist Jon Ralston early today.
Longtime family friend Greg Ferraro told Ralston: “Officially, Bill Raggio passed away last night at 10pm PST of respiratory illness in Sydney Australia. Funeral arrangements are pending.”
Bill Raggio, legendary Nevada politician, dies
Submitted by admin on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 10:08am
Bill Raggio, who is considered by many to be the most powerful force in Nevada politics over the last 30 years, has died while on vacation in Australia Thursday evening. He was 85.
Jon Ralston of the Las Vegas Sun broke the news.
Raggio was first elected to the Nevada State Senate in 1972. He resigned from the seat he held for 38 years after supporting Democrat Harry Reid in 2010 over Republican Sharron Angle.
Raggio ruled the Nevada State Senate as the GOP leader and chairman of the Finance Committee. It's safe to say that few bills passed the Nevada Legislature in the last 30 years without his approval.
Raggio's legislative biography is here.
RGJ has posted a profile with photo gallery on Raggio's life.
Best quote: "You show me someone who doesn't have detractors, and I'll show you someone who hasn't done a damn thing in their lives."
Bill Raggio, legendary Nevada politician, dies
Submitted by admin on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 8:32am
Bill Raggio, who is considered by many to be the most powerful force in Nevada politics over the last 30 years, has died while on vacation in Australia Thursday evening. He was 85.
Jon Ralston of the Las Vegas Sun broke the news.
Raggio was first elected to the Nevada State Senate in 1972. He resigned from the seat he held for 38 years after supporting Democrat Harry Reid in 2010 over Republican Sharron Angle.
Raggio ruled the Nevada State Senate as the GOP leader and chairman of the Finance Committee. It's safe to say that few bills passed the Nevada Legislature in the last 30 years without his approval.
Raggio's legislative biography is here.
RGJ has posted a profile with photo gallery on Raggio's life.
Best quote: "You show me someone who doesn't have detractors, and I'll show you someone who hasn't done a damn thing in their lives."
Carson City free daily news summary for Feb. 24
Submitted by admin on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 8:23amWatch out, there's another Heller in politics. Emmy Heller was just declared the winner of the vote for student body president at Carson High School. Her father Sen. Dean Heller has held elective office since before Emmy, 17, was born, and helped her craft her positions and talking points. But Emmy said the experience of running for election was so stressful that she doesn't want to pursue politics as a career.
****
F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service Helping) has launched a campaign to refinance the mortgage on their building and free up extra funds to help the needy of Carson City. The group currently owes $1.7 million on the property on North Carson Street, which is valued at $1.6 million in today's market. Their interest rate is 7.75 percent, well above what can be obtained through refinancing. Executive Director Jim Peckham hopes to raise enough money to obtain a $1.2 million loan at 4 percent, which means they would have an extra $8,000 a month to serve the homeless and others in need.
****
The owner of Cactus Jack's casino in downtown Carson City was hit with a $15,000 fine by the Nevada Gaming Commission for using unauthorized poker chips in poker tournaments. Guess the house doesn't always win.
Only sensible campaign reform: Real-time reporting
Submitted by admin on Wed, 02/22/2012 - 7:52amSuper PACs will destroy the world! Sheldon Adelson is buying the White House! There's too much money in politics!
Let me say now what I have been longing to say for years in response to this tabloid-headline-level volume: Stop the whining!
...
A secret of how Elizabeth Halseth won her state Senate seat — Democrats
Submitted by admin on Wed, 02/22/2012 - 7:19amFormer state Sen. Elizabeth Halseth's brief career in Nevada politics can be attributed to several things — a vulnerable Republican incumbent, the Tea Party surge.
The most remarkable, though, is that a group with ties to Democratic interests helped Halseth get elected.
...
For lawmakers, nothing's illegal -- until they don't disclose
Submitted by admin on Tue, 02/21/2012 - 7:39amAs always, it's not what's illegal in Nevada politics that's so often outrageous, it's what's perfectly legal.
For example, it's perfectly legal for Nevada lawmakers to use campaign contributions to pay for expenses such as rent in Carson City or travel to conferences on legislative business.
...
Former Nevada Gov. Richard Bryan Calls Rep. Mark Amodei’s Remarks On Yucca Mountain “Unfortunate”
Submitted by Nevada News Bureau on Thu, 02/16/2012 - 4:37pmCARSON CITY – Former U.S. Sen. and Nevada Gov. Richard Bryan today described Rep. Mark Amodei’s recent comments about Yucca Mountain not being dead as a site to dispose of the nation’s nuclear waste was as “unfortunate.”
The Current Republican Leadership, the Catholic Church, Religious Conservatives and the Perils of Self-Refuting Logic
Submitted by admin on Thu, 02/16/2012 - 2:28pmIn the United States a political party does not become the majority party in this country by becoming ideologically pure. They become the majority by becoming larger, inclusive, and superior to their political opponents not only in size, but should also be anchored in and unafraid of intellectual and discursive dialogue, devoid of reactionary emotionalism. Then and only then, can conservatism present and extend to the electorate our concepts in such a way that we will be accepted by the majority of our fellow citizens.
