Editorial: Connecting the dots on poll results

Friday, Jan. 15, 1999 | 11:58 a.m.

A joint poll by UNLV and the University of Nevada, Reno shows that this state's residents have interesting views -- some contradictory -- on important statewide issues. The poll is timely and was released to coincide with the start of Nevada's legislative session. It is an effective barometer of public opinion because unlike polls taken during an election year, the university poll doesn't include just those who are registered to vote, it is a representative sampling of all state residents.

It was especially intriguing that despite the stereotype of Nevadans having a libertarian streak and abhorring big government, the poll finds instead that they believe more should be spent on vital social and educational programs. For instance, child abuse prevention was listed by most Nevadans as the area where they believe more state spending is needed, with 81 percent favoring added funding. Also high on the list for additional monies were these categories: low-income elderly programs (80 percent); domestic violence programs (71 percent); child care for welfare recipients who are enrolled in job training (69 percent); and additional funding for K-12 education (68 percent).

Legislators (including those who heartlessly shut down the Boulder City Children's Home during the last legislative session) should take note that there is a strong current of support for government to play an active role in making sure that those who most need a helping hand end up receiving one. It simply is not acceptable for legislators to avoid the tough choices by trying to blot out of their minds the faces of the children and seniors who are deserving of assistance.

While the public's sympathy for more government funding may surprise some, what probably isn't as shocking is that in most instances they simultaneously believe someone else should pay for these programs. For example, when given the list of possible funding sources, most favored higher gaming taxes (69 percent). In contrast, when it came to direct taxes on themselves, those responding to the poll were less willing to carry part of the burden. For example, only 38 percent favored a sales tax increase and just 16 percent approved of a property tax boost to pay for more government services.

If legislators were hoping that the poll might offer a consistent road map to follow, they will be disappointed by the conflicting results of people who want more services, yet don't want to pay for them. In effect it's the tax-and-spend variation of the "not in my back yard" theme on environmental issues. This is an unenviable paradox state legislators face as they prepare to assemble in Carson City on Feb. 1 for the start of the 1999 Legislature.