Editorial: We must be prepared

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2003 | 9:07 a.m.

Nevada was quick to respond when the call came from California Gov. Gray Davis, asking for help against the wildfires that are ravaging that state. Seventy-five firefighters, nine trucks and two National Guard helicopters were immediately dispatched. In all likelihood, even more firefighters and equipment will be sent, as the fires are showing no sign of abating and more communities are being burned out or threatened and the loss of life is mounting.

In times such as these, states rush to help each other -- one of the strengths of our country. We're proud of our firefighters and we support Gov. Kenny Guinn's decision to send help.

The fires are also a reminder of why governments need to build up reserves. It is regrettable that Nevada's reserve fund, often called the rainy-day fund, was drained in the last session of the Legislature, from $135 million to under $1 million. The money was needed not for an emergency, but simply to run the day-to-day business of the state. The culprit was a faulty tax system that forced the state into that situation. The 2005 Legislature should build the fund back up, in the event that Nevada needs to fight its own natural emergency, rather than helping a neighbor.