Columnist Jeff German: Fair share of funds to fight terror

Friday, Sept. 19, 2003 | 11:06 a.m.

Brighter days are ahead for Southern Nevada officials as they struggle for their fair share of federal funds to fight terrorism.

Gov. Kenny Guinn is gearing up to appoint members to the new Nevada Homeland Security Commission that will dole out the anti-terrorism money the state receives from the federal government.

And I'm told that the vast majority of panel members will come from Southern Nevada, which should ensure that this area -- with Hoover Dam, Nellis Air Force Base and many of the world's largest resorts -- never again gets shortchanged.

About three months ago, you might recall, the Nevada Division of Emergency Management oversaw a funding process that amazingly gave Clark County only $2.1 million, less than one-third, of a $6.7 million federal grant. This was done even though Southern Nevada has been mentioned as a possible terrorist target and has roughly 70 percent of the state's population.

It didn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that the process was out of whack. To the surprise of many, including Guinn, the Division of Emergency Management had trouble understanding that Las Vegas -- not Winnemucca, Yerington, Ely or even Reno -- is the state's most vulnerable city.

The new Homeland Security Commission, which was created by the Legislature this year, now will have the final word on funding, and Southern Nevada will have bigtime input.

As early as Tuesday Guinn will announce his appointments, which will include Sheriff Bill Young and former Sheriff Jerry Keller, who is vice president of corporate security of Wynn Resorts. Young, who put together Clark County's homeland security plan, was an outspoken critic of the old funding process.

The commission will be chaired by Guinn's homeland security adviser, Jerry Bussell, a former Las Vegan who has been leading the charge to ensure that Southern Nevada receives equitable funding.

Bussell and Keller participated this week in a panel discussion on homeland security at the Global Gaming Expo, the casino industry's annual international trade show, and both appeared well versed on the valley's needs.

Other prominent Southern Nevadans expected to be named to the new commission include Henderson Police Chief Mike Mayberry, Las Vegas physician Dale Carrison and Richard Brenner, a top Clark County Fire Department official who specializes in hazardous materials.

As many as 12 members will be appointed next week. Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio of Reno and Assemblyman Speaker Richard Perkins of Henderson each will have one of those picks. We can expect their appointments to be made along geographical lines.

But when the names of the entire commission are announced next week, anywhere from seven to nine will be from Southern Nevada.

Finally, the state will be in a position to direct federal dollars to the areas most threatened in the war on terrorism.