Nevada’s government no standout across nation

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1999 | 10:08 a.m.

Governing Magazine and Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs graded state leaders a C+ overall.

The grades for all 50 states were released Monday, the same day Nevada's Legislature began its 1999 session.

The best grade, A-, went to Virginia, Missouri, Utah and Washington. Alabama was worst with a D average.

Generally Nevada's grades in the five surveyed categories were average or better. The single exception was in human resources management, where the state got a D.

"Nevada uses a traditional civil service approach that controls hiring and favors seniority ... the 30-year-old compensation system has defied attempts at reform," according to the report.

The state's best grade, a B+, was given for its capital management.

In the report, Governing saluted the state Public Works Board for its monitoring of state building projects and keeping a database of the condition of state facilities.

But Nevada received a C for planning, or its management of state agencies for results.

"Despite legislative prodding, there has been a fair amount of resistance in Nevada to the use of outcome measures," the Governing report stated. "Agencies complain that they shouldn't be held accountable for delivering results over which they don't have complete control."

Pete Ernaut, chief of staff to Gov. Kenny Guinn, said he thought Governing's analyses were accurate. He said Guinn wants to give department heads more authority over their agency's decisions and to conduct a strategic plan for state government.

"The governor wants a result-oriented administration," Ernaut said.

Guinn took office Jan. 4 after Gov. Bob Miller finished 10 years as the chief executive.

Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington, wasn't surprised at the low grade for human resource management. He said he has tried unsuccessfully to revamp the civil service system.

Dini also said too many people are classified workers, which under the civil service system makes it virtually impossible for them to be replaced.