Fighting tax initiative may lead GOP agenda

Wednesday, May 24, 2000 | 11:17 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Republicans gathering in Carson City this week for the biennial state GOP convention may come out strongly against the business and casino tax petitions, now being circulated for voters' signatures.

The platform committee of the convention starts hammering out its planks today in advance of the Thursday opening.

Assemblyman Lynn Hettrick, R-Minden, who chairs the committee, said the tax issues will be debated and probably sent to the floor of the convention.

"When you have specific issues, it's nice to address them," said Hettrick, a strong opponent of the proposal by the teachers union to levy a 4 percent tax on business profits over $50,000.

The GOP platform committee also is expected to take a stand against a tax proposal by Sen. Joe Neal, D-Las Vegas. Neal also is pushing an initiative petition to raise the tax on major casinos that gross more than $1 million a month from 6 1/4 percent to 11 1/4 percent.

Several of the county GOP conventions passed platforms that expressed opposition to the two taxes.

The state Democratic Convention, which ended last week in Las Vegas, didn't adopt any platform on the initiative petition by the Nevada State Education Association, which represents 90 percent of the teachers in the state.

Hettrick said, "The biggest supporter of Democratic candidates is the teachers union. They spend a lot of money. I'm sure they (the Democratic convention) didn't take a position."

State Democratic Chairman Rory Reid was out of the country and could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

The teachers are circulating the initiative to gain 44,009 signatures by November to force the 2001 Legislature to consider the issue. If the Legislature doesn't approve the tax, it goes to the voters in 2002.

Hettrick doesn't see much controversy in the platform. On abortion, he said, "It's been pretty neutral the last several years. I don't think it will be a major fight. It has lost steam."

Some delegates at the Washoe County Republican Convention in Reno walked out during debate over allowing some pro-choice supporters to participate in the gathering.

The county convention adopted a compromise plank, noting there are honest differences in the party but adding that "the fundamental right to life cannot be infringed."

Registration for the state convention opens Thursday, and the floor sessions begin Friday.

Former state Treasurer Bob Seale of Las Vegas is expected to be elected state party chairman to succeed John Mason of Douglas County. Mason is running against National Committeeman Tom Wiesner of Las Vegas. Committeewoman Barbara Vucanovich of Reno is not seeking a second term.

Mentioned as candidates to succeed Vucanovich are her daughter, former state Treasurer Patty Cafferata of Reno; Leah Roberts of Las Vegas and Beverly Willard of Douglas County.

Gov. Kenny Guinn will give the opening remarks Friday, and U.S. Senate candidate John Ensign is the luncheon speaker.

The platform and the election will take place Friday.