Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Guinn won’t gut county

Friday, July 27, 2001 | 9:37 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

THE LOCAL MAYORS MEETING with Gov. Kenny Guinn next week had better not believe he's going to gut the air quality powers he gave the county. If anything he will offer strong state support to help the county do the best job possible. He gave that governmental entity the air quality responsibility because the commissioners are elected by voters from every corner of the county, including the cities. So the city residents are represented in air quality decisions or any other decisions made by the Clark County Commission. The Commission, as a body, has both executive and legislative powers.

Guinn has been a defender of public officials elected to do a job. The foolish attempt by Sen. Bill O'Donnell, R-Las Vegas, to create a legislative oversight committee for the Nevada Department of Transportation ran into a Guinn buzz saw called a veto. His veto message was clear and concise: Don't interfere with the powers and responsibilities of my office.

I have to believe that the governor's concept of government won't be compromised to make the mayors happy, but they will understand where he's coming from and what he expects. This will be made easier for them to understand with the calming influence of Commissioner Bruce Woodbury present. The commissioner will be willing to accept advice and listen to the mayors, but the creation of policy and its execution will remain a county function.

Let's not forget the governor's June 21, 2000, letter to Clark County Commission Chairman Dario Herrera, which reads:

"I would like to reaffirm designation of the Board of County Commissioners of Clark County as the lead agency responsible for coordinating the preparation of implementation plans for Clark County. In addition, I would like to designate the Board of County Commissioners as the regulatory, enforcement and permitting authority for implementing applicable provisions of the federal Clean Air Act, any amendments to that Act, and any regulations adopted pursuant to that Act within Clark County."

The success of the County Commission in meeting EPA air quality standards is vital to every level of government and the health and well-being of every citizen. For this very reason the second paragraph of Guinn's letter spells out his willingness to help:

"Our staff will work with the County as you consolidate these functions and work toward full compliance with the EPA. The consequences for Clark County, and indeed the state, dictate that we work cooperatively and quickly toward implementation and attainment."

The county, not the cities, has long been responsible for the juvenile justice system. Recent legislation is moving the responsibility for foster child care from the state over to the county. We haven't heard any city officials complaining about these responsibilities being put on the shoulders of the Clark County Commission. So why so much whining about the air quality responsibilities?

Outgoing Gaming Commission Chairman Brian Sandoval has made up his mind to seek the office of state attorney general. With the former member of the Nevada Assembly entering the race you can safely bet that other prospective candidates pondering the race will ponder a lot longer.

A year ago in this column, Sandoval wrote: "While I am a regulator, I also am the father of two small children. In addition, I was raised and educated in Nevada, and served two terms in the Nevada Legislature. I have visited every part of the state, and I work hard to be sensitive to the concerns of all citizens.

"In the last 18 months the commission has encountered several difficult policy issues that have a considerable impact for not only the gaming industry but also for all Nevadans. The commission's decisions have been mindful of the past, present and future of the state."

The problems facing the commission in the past 12 months haven't been any easier than the prior 18 months. So far, Sandoval hasn't stumbled.