Quotes on attorney general opinion limiting legislative service

Tuesday, March 2, 2004 | 2:04 a.m.

What legislators, state officials and others are saying about the state attorney general's opinion Monday excluding state-level executive branch employees from also serving in the state Legislature:

Since the state's legislators are "essentially volunteers" because of the low pay, "we don't have any business wasting what talent is available. God knows they (the Legislature) need all the help they can get." - Ted Jelen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas political science professor.

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"I'm not surprised by the opinion. The idea that local government employees are in the state executive branch is a stretch of any notion of the separation of powers doctrine. But the others are going to need further clarification. And Ron Knecht appears to be the most vulnerable." - Eric Herzik, University of Nevada, Reno political science professor.

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"This is a democratic process, and representational government means the electorate should decide, not an opinion. I plan on seeking re-election and letting the voters decide on my qualifications." - Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas.

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"It makes me wonder who's next. Today, it's state employees, tomorrow it might be local government employees. If we're going to have a citizen Legislature, we've got to have all points of view represented. Any time we impose limits, it goes against the grain of democracy." - Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno.

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"I intend to run and run hard, and I hope to win and serve in the Legislature." - Assemblyman Ron Knecht, R-Carson City, who believes that as a state Public Utilities Commission employee he's in the legislative branch of government.

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"It's not entirely clear from the opinion why it applies to educators at the university and community college level but not at the local level. I assume that's another issue that might be brought up in a court since the state of Nevada funds both education systems. There are some excellent legislators who would be affected if the opinion holds." - Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno.

"We know that this was a tough decision for the attorney general and we will respect his opinion." - Gov. Kenny Guinn.

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"I think it's a reasonable conclusion as far as it goes, but does it go far enough? I would anticipate we haven't heard the end of this. What about those currently serving? What's their status now? Do they continue to serve in interim positions? There may be a need for clarification." - Secretary of State Dean Heller.

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"The opinion is a good start but to say local government employees aren't part of the executive branch is preposterous. We're not a home-rule state. Local governments can't do anything without the blessing of the Legislature." - George Harris of the conservative Nevada Republican Liberty Caucus, now circulating a petition to block legislative service by both local and state employees.

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Regarding clashing opinions on executive-branch employees serving in the Legislature, "It's not the first time our offices have disagreed. I have a lot of respect for the attorney general's office and on most issues we agree. On this one we just happen to disagree." - Lorne Malkiewich, head of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.