Editorial: Our take on state, local initiatives

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002 | 8:58 a.m.

This year there are an extraordinary number of state and local ballot questions for voters in Clark County. On Sunday we offered our views on ballot questions dealing with marriage, marijuana, transportation improvements in Clark County and public power. Today we provide our recommendations on the remaining state and countywide initiatives and a ballot question regarding the Henderson library system.

State ballot questions

Question 1 proposes that the state be allowed to issue up to $200 million in general obligation bonds to protect and preserve some of Nevada's natural resources. Part of the money would be used to protect open spaces, lakes, rivers, wetlands and wildlife, and other funds would be used to build or improve parks. Here in Clark County, $25 million would go to the Las Vegas Springs Preserve for its planning and development, and $35 million would help fund the establishment of a museum there. A regional wetlands park at the Las Vegas Wash would receive $10 million for its development. Our state and local governments need to do a better job protecting the environment and building more parks. This initiative is an important step in that direction. The Sun urges a yes vote on Question 1.

Questions 3 and 4 are somewhat related since both seek exemptions from paying sales or use taxes. Question 3 seeks to exempt farming equipment purchased in Nevada from the state's sales and use taxes. Question 4 would give breaks on sales and use taxes to professional racing teams and racing sanctioning bodies. Exemption on sales and use taxes should be kept to a minimum -- exceptions for food and drugs are warranted because they are necessities. But any new exemption means that the state collects fewer taxes. In light of the state's budget constraints, now hardly seems to be the time to add more exemptions. There is no compelling reason to support tax breaks found in these two initiatives. The Sun urges no votes on Questions 3 and 4.

Question 5 seeks to repeal the Nevada Constitution's ban against the transfer of property in perpetuity. Supporters of the change want this prohibition lifted so that property owners have more flexibility in estate planning. But opponents note that the ban still serves its purpose, which is to prevent the dead from dictating the affairs of the living. The ban has stood the test of time. The Sun urges a no vote on Question 5.

Question 6 seeks to change the Nevada Constitution so that judges or justices, who have been appointed to fill a vacancy, would be allowed to serve at least 12 months before they have to run for office. But Question 6 undermines the accountability that is afforded by prompt elections when vacancies occur: There could be instances where someone appointed to a judgeship could serve close to three years before an election is held. The Sun urges a no vote on Question 6.

Question 7 asks if the Nevada Constitution should be amended so that state government would be allowed an exemption from the state debt limit, enabling it to borrow money in order to finance the improvement, acquisition or building of public schools. If ever there were a need for more flexibility in financing government, it would include how we provide a quality education for our children. The Sun urges a yes vote on Question 7.

Question 8 asks if the Nevada Constitution should be amended so that people with an economic hardship can get a reduction in their property taxes on a single-family residence. While the initiative is well-intentioned, we think if it came to pass, the program could be a nightmare administratively when trying to define what is a "hardship." For that matter, it's usually during tough economic times when revenues fall, so permitting fewer revenues to be collected actually could make a bad situation even worse all around. The Sun urges a no vote on Question 8.

Local initiatives

Question 11 is an advisory ballot question that asks whether the county should push the Legislature to create a Homeless Services and Affordable Housing Trust Fund and give the County Commission the authority to pass a one-cent property tax increase to fund it. Religious and nonprofit groups have done an excellent job aiding the homeless, but unfortunately their generosity can't satisfy completely the intense demand for housing, detoxification and job training. The Sun urges a yes vote on Question 11.

Questions 12 and 13 both are advisory questions that call for more smoking restrictions. Question 12 asks if the Legislature should give the Clark County Board of Health the power to pass regulations on secondhand smoke that are tougher than the state's standards. Question 13 asks whether secondhand smoke should be prohibited by state law in settings frequented by children -- schools, grocery stores, restaurants and government buildings. Both ballot questions would exempt businesses that exclude people under 21. Secondhand smoke has been found to be harmful, and there is no reason why the Legislature should hinder the county's ability to set tougher smoking regulations than the state. The Sun urges yes votes on Questions 12 and 13.

The Henderson Public Library District, in Question 1, is proposing that Henderson residents approve a 4-cent tax increase on property owners. Henderson has the worst books-per-person average in the state, and if this increase passes it would be a big help in purchasing books. The Paseo Verde Library opened two months ago, but two-thirds of its shelves were empty because of a lack of funds. The Sun urges a yes vote on Question 1.