Governor qualifies his position on state college

Cy Ryan and Jeffrey Libby

Friday, Dec. 29, 2000 | 10:25 a.m.

Gov. Kenny Guinn Thursday "clarified" his statement on starting a state college in Henderson, repeating that the project is not in his budget but adding that he left the door open to a change of heart.

The governor last week said there was no money included in his $3.74 billion state budget for start-up costs at the school, which already has a president and a small staff.

In his statement Thursday, Guinn said he has always thought the concept "is visionary" and that view has not changed.

"However, it would be irresponsible for me to include the project in my budget at this time considering important questions have not yet been answered. I learned long ago in the business world that making a budget commitment prematurely can wreak havoc."

The results of a $500,000 feasibility study have not yet been released, said the governor. And he added, "My door is open as always, and I look forward to continuing a dialogue with those who are working to make Henderson State College a reality."

State Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, who suggested Wednesday that the city of Henderson help pay for start-up costs by issuing a bond, called Guinn's remarks political damage control.

"It says two things," Titus said of Guinn's clarification. "No. 1, Kenny Guinn has never been known for taking a strong stand on issues, so him changing his stance is not surprising. And second, maybe he's realized that he may have to negotiate with (Assembly Speaker) Richard Perkins on other issues he wants to put through, so he's decided he should leave the door open."

University and Community College System of Nevada Regents Mark Alden and Steve Sisolak were less critical of the governor, calling his remarks consistent with budgetary constraint in a tight budget biennium.

But both regents said they continue to support, along with Titus, some amount of financial commitment from the city of Henderson. They believe an initial show of backing could help improve chances of additional funding when the Legislature opens in February.

"The city of Henderson shouldn't have to stand alone," Alden said. "The money should come from a number of sources, including private money, contributions by Clark County. But Henderson could contribute some amount, by reallocating property tax revenues or through an actual capital improvement bond."

Alden wouldn't say how much of a contribution the city of Henderson would be expected to make.

"I don't know how much it would be. That amount would be up to them to determine," Alden said.

Sisolak agreed. Since the college would benefit the entire state, not just Henderson, Sisolak said no one would expect Henderson to foot the entire bill.

"It's obviously a state asset, but I don't think anyone would argue that the college wasn't a benefit to the locale," Sisolak said. "But it's up to Henderson, if they're in fact willing to make a contribution. If we could get the ball started, it would go a long way in selling the Legislature."

Perkins, D-Henderson, said it appears the "governor has left the door open" to support state financing of the college.

Perkins, the strongest supporter of the school in the state Legislature, said, "The governor is a reasonable man. When I have the opportunity to present him with the facts, I'm sure he will be supportive."

Perkins said he has not had a chance to talk to Guinn since newspaper stories broke that Guinn won't put money in the budget for the Henderson project.

Asked if Guinn's statement Thursday enhanced the chances of the college, Perkins said, "I'm always optimistic."

He said the finishing touches are being put on the feasibility study of the state college, and it "will soon be hot off the presses."

Last October, the Board of Regents agreed to spend $549,512 this fiscal year to finance a staff of four. Of the total, $283,528 came from the money set aside for the feasibility study. They also presented a budget calling for $3 million next fiscal year and $5 million the following year.

Also on the list was a $36 million classroom-student services building for the Henderson College. Of the total, $10 million would come from private funds. And the school also wants a $27.5 million library, with $10 million coming from other sources outside of state money.

Neither of those projects was recommended by the state Public Works Board that submits a list of construction priorities to the governor for the coming two years.