Panel rejects tourism commission’s request to fund Mexico office

Friday, Sept. 16, 2005 | 9:51 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Legislative Interim Finance Committee on Thursday rejected a request of the state Tourism Commission to use $100,000 for an office in Mexico in conjunction with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Tourism officials from both Southern and Northern Nevada made a strong pitch to allow the Tourism Commission to locate an office in Mexico City. State Tourism Director Bruce Bommarito said Mexico is an "extremely strong market" for drawing tourists.

Cam Usher, director of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, supported the program, saying it could spark additional flights to Nevada.

But Assemblyman Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, objected. He said the issue came before the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, of which he is chairman, during the Legislature and was not approved.

"If we didn't do it during the session, I can't support it. This is opening a can of worms and we will regret it in the end," Arberry said.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, supported the plan.

The Senate side of the Interim Finance Committee voted to allow the $100,000 to be spent. but the Assembly side voted 8-6 against it. Both sides have to approve the allocation of the money.