“The powers of the government of the state of Nevada shall be divided into three separate departments, the Legislative, the Executive and the Judicial; and no persons charged with the exercise of powers properly belonging to one of these departments … [Read more...] about What Gives them the Right? Separation of Powers in Nevada
government
COVID-19’s Latest Victim: Legislative Freedom
In Nevada we have what’s known as a part-time citizen Legislature. Our state’s elected officials only meet for 120 days in odd-numbered years and those that serve often have other jobs in Nevada. Only three other states have a similar schedule and … [Read more...] about COVID-19’s Latest Victim: Legislative Freedom
It’s time to Choose: The Economy Versus COVID-19
Over the last eight months, COVID-19 has been brought into sharp focus for most of us. I know people that have caught the virus and have seen the effect it has on them. It’s certainly not something anyone should be taking lightly. The advice on how … [Read more...] about It’s time to Choose: The Economy Versus COVID-19
Alternative Energy Projects: Who Pays for These Boondoggles?
Work is almost completed on the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project, located near Tonopah. The developers had received a $737 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy, so if the project fails like Solyndra did, taxpayers will be on … [Read more...] about Alternative Energy Projects: Who Pays for These Boondoggles?
Fed Up: Who Works for Who?
There are so many things wrong with last month’s BLM “roundup” it’s difficult to even know where to start. As anyone in businesses will tell you, to effectively negotiate a deal, both parties must begin with the same premise. Clive Bundy was … [Read more...] about Fed Up: Who Works for Who?
Lessons Learned: Integrity Matters
American businesses are finally emerging from the recession – some of us survived bruised and battered, others didn’t make it and some companies managed to succeed by a combination of business smarts, ruthless cost-cutting and just plain luck. If the … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned: Integrity Matters
November 2014 Elections: Support Pro-Business Candidates Now
November may seem far away now, but plans for the next elections are already well underway. Now is the time to start researching the field of candidates to decide who you want to represent your interests when the Legislature convenes in February … [Read more...] about November 2014 Elections: Support Pro-Business Candidates Now
Nevada Needs a Court of Appeals: Businesses Should Support 2014 Ballot Question
The November 2014 ballot will contain a proposal to amend the Nevada Constitution and create a court of appeals (appellate court). Those of you who have been reading my columns awhile know that 99 percent of the time I’m a passionate supporter of … [Read more...] about Nevada Needs a Court of Appeals: Businesses Should Support 2014 Ballot Question
Home, Home on the Range: Where the Desert Tortoises Roam?
Cliven Bundy is a man on a mission. He’s been battling the federal government -- specifically, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) -- for more than 20 years, and he’s determined to win this David-and-Goliath battle. Bundy’s family has raised … [Read more...] about Home, Home on the Range: Where the Desert Tortoises Roam?
Nevada Money Should Stay in Nevada: Time to Reform the Contracting Process
In Governor Brian Sandoval’s State of the State speech, he encouraged everyone to “shop Nevada first” and said Nevada should make “supporting private sector job creation a way of life for all government agencies.” I heartily endorse both these ideas, … [Read more...] about Nevada Money Should Stay in Nevada: Time to Reform the Contracting Process
Prevailing Wage Laws: Time to End This Corrupt System
Nevada’s so-called “prevailing wage” laws cost taxpayers millions of dollars each year – many of these dollars go into union coffers instead of to workers. Once you know the facts about it, you’ll be as outraged as I am that this politically … [Read more...] about Prevailing Wage Laws: Time to End This Corrupt System
Harry Reid and the DOE: Sending Nevada Dollars Overseas
Harry Reid likes to brag about all the money and jobs he’s bringing to Nevada by “earmarking” alternative energy projects. However, a little research shows that many of the companies receiving government loan guarantees and grants aren’t even based … [Read more...] about Harry Reid and the DOE: Sending Nevada Dollars Overseas
Obama Tries to Grab Control of Another Vital Private Industry: The Internet
We have already seen the Obama administration attempt to take over the healthcare industry with its Obama care program, and we watched it meddle in the alternative energy market by propping up Solyndra and other companies that should have been … [Read more...] about Obama Tries to Grab Control of Another Vital Private Industry: The Internet
A Win for Taxpayers: District Court Upholds Nevada Constitution
You may recall, during Nevada’s Legislative Session last year, two bills were passed that extended taxes that were scheduled to sunset. What makes these two bills unique is that they both were unlawfully passed. The Nevada Constitution requires a … [Read more...] about A Win for Taxpayers: District Court Upholds Nevada Constitution
Entitlements & Handouts: The Big Lie
In case you’re wondering why the U.S. economy is in such a mess, consider this sobering statistic: for the first time since the Great Depression, U.S. households received more in cash handouts from the government in 2010 ($2.3 trillion) than they … [Read more...] about Entitlements & Handouts: The Big Lie
Integrity in Government: An Endangered Species
Merriam-Webster’s defines integrity as “a firm adherence to a code of moral values (incorruptibility).” Words related to integrity are: character, decency, goodness, honesty, morality, righteousness, uprightness, and virtue. Opposites include … [Read more...] about Integrity in Government: An Endangered Species
Public Employees as Legislators: Foxes Guarding the Henhouse?
The principle of separation of powers is an important part of the Nevada Constitution, which states that no one “charged with the exercise of powers properly belonging to one of these departments [Executive, Legislative and Judicial] shall exercise … [Read more...] about Public Employees as Legislators: Foxes Guarding the Henhouse?