Lobbyist tapped by five cities

Erin Neff

Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002 | 10:41 a.m.

Few people understand Nevada's tax structure like Marvin Leavitt.

The retired city of Las Vegas lobbyist has been tapped for service by every legislative committee studying finances, including the Governor's Task Force on Tax Policy.

The cities of Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Reno and Sparks are expected to approve a $165,000 contract with Leavitt to have him represent them on tax issues. The cities will each put up $33,000 for his services.

Leavitt is so well thought of in the state that his return to an advocacy role when he is asked to play unbiased roles on various committees hasn't fazed anyone.

"I have never found anybody more ethical to work with," Guy Hobbs, chairman of the governor's task force, said. "Beyond his knowledge, he's a guy who has earned a reputation as an advocate for the state."

Hobbs, who has worked with Leavitt for years, said he isn't worried that Leavitt's lobbying duties will conflict with his role on the task force's technical committee. The task force, appointed by Gov. Kenny Guinn, has been asked to examine Nevada's tax structure and make recommendations on how the state can increase revenues to meet growing needs.

Betsy Fretwell, an assistant city manager in Las Vegas, said Leavitt's September retirement left the city with big shoes to fill.

"Marvin knows the ins and outs of taxation better than just about anyone," she said. "We really decided it would be in our best interest to have him continue some type of role for the city."

The Henderson City Council is expected to approve its portion of the joint contract tonight, with Las Vegas and North Las Vegas expected to follow suit Wednesday.

Fretwell said Leavitt will work with all five cities to advance their common interests to the 2003 Legislature.

"On issues where we're all on the same page it'll be good to have the same voice," Fretwell said.

During the 2001 Legislature, Leavitt was often tapped by other municipal lobbyists and even lawmakers for historical perspective and advice. Frequently during Assembly Taxation Committee hearings, Chairman David Goldwater, D-Las Vegas, would spot Leavitt in the audience and ask if the lobbyist had anything to add.

He serves on a number of legislative committees studying tax issues and is a representative on the local government finance committee -- a coalition of representatives from cities and counties.

During the latest legislative session Leavitt found himself in the middle of a local government battle over taxes. Cities with high rates of growth -- such as Henderson and North Las Vegas -- asked older governments -- such as Las Vegas and Clark County -- to reimburse them for revenue lost because of a tax policy that didn't credit growth.

Leavitt said he does not envision problems if Henderson and Las Vegas are approved as his clients. "We've essentially agreed that for me to represent them on anything they all have to agree," Leavitt said. "I think everybody's agreed they're not going to revisit that same issue as Henderson pushed the last time."