Letter: Special interests’ power is strong

Thursday, March 8, 2001 | 9:39 a.m.

Assembly Bill 208, introduced by Tom Collins, proves that his principles, and those of the co-sponsors of the bill, only go as far as special interests are concerned. AB208 is designed to make it illegal in Nevada for local communities to pass laws prohibiting the ownership of any animal, the conducting of any event in which animals are used, or regulate such an event in a manner that results in the event being economically infeasible.

As posted on the official website of the Nevada Legislature, the bill even goes so far as to specifically rewrite ordinances to make them less stringent in Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Carson City and other communities in Nevada.

AB208 has been drafted by Collins to make it impossible for local Nevada communities to proactively address animal-related public safety issues or govern animal welfare issues in a manner that reflects the values of the community.

This is the same Legislature that passes resolutions condemning the federal government for its removal of local control in public lands management decisions that affect Nevada communities!

As a Nevada resident, I am outraged that Collins and AB208 co-sponsors believe that the many pressing social, economic and environmental challenges that the fastest growing state in the nation faces should take a back seat to serving the small special interest groups who would benefit from such usurpation of local rights. Collins' constituents should send him a list of community issues requiring his attention!

TIM BUCHANAN