Wednesday, April 30, 2003 | 10:52 a.m.
CARSON CITY -- Some Carson City officials fear Las Vegas is trying to steal the state capital through a proposed constitutional amendment.
But Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, says his proposal would only allow the Legislature to meet outside of Carson City for all or part of any session; it would not change the site of the capital.
Coffin has introduced Senate Joint Resolution 9 to permit a majority of the Legislature to decide to convene at a place other than Carson City.
Mary Walker, a lobbyist for Carson City, told the Senate Legislative Affairs and Operations Committee Tuesday said this resolution "would effectively move the capital to Las Vegas."
"This is a step towards a new capital," Walker said.
But Coffin, after the committee meeting, said, "It's the same old song and dance. It's not about moving the capital."
He said his opponents "want to keep the legislative cash cow in Carson City."
"People should have a chance to see the Legislature in action," he said. And his plan could apply to any city in Nevada, he said.
Coffin referred to last year's special session on medical malpractice, in which the issues centered on Las Vegas but the lawmakers had to convene in Carson City.
He noted voters approved allowing the Nevada Supreme Court to meet outside of Carson City. The court is still based in Carson City although it holds hearings in Las Vegas.
Twice in prior sessions, Coffin introduced similar resolutions, but they failed. Moving the Legislature would only require two large rooms for the Senate and Assembly to meet, he said. He reminded the committee that 70 percent of the state's residents live in Clark County.
Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, said a serious terrorism incident might require a move to another location, and said it was better to be prepared for these emergencies.
In speaking against the proposal, Walker said that Nevada is one of a few states that has never moved its capital; that there are $375 million worth of state buildings located in Carson City; and that state employees would have to be moved to Las Vegas or another location.
"Times change," Coffin said, adding that Carson City is not readily accessible from Las Vegas and does not have a major airport.
Sen. Mark Amodei, R-Carson City, argued against the resolution, saying the Legislature has responded to the needs of other parts of the state by using videoconferencing and Internet technology.
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