Sun editorial:

Political pressure

Governor’s push to get a tax break he didn’t deserve further shows how out of touch he is

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 | 2:08 a.m.

Gov. Jim Gibbons and his wife, Dawn, bought 40 acres in Elko County last year for $575,000 with plans to eventually build a retirement home.

The governor then pressed for a significant property tax cut, saying the land was being used for cattle grazing. The law allows for a tax break on land used for agricultural purposes.

Elko County Assessor Joe Aguirre told the Associated Press that Gibbons came to see him in September to discuss the tax break, but Aguirre rejected the governor’s request.

Land must generate at least $5,000 worth of income to receive the reduction, and cattle grazing land must produce half of the feed consumed by the animals. Gibbons’ land wouldn’t qualify.

At the highest standard grazing fee, Gibbons would need 21 cows on his land to meet the legal threshold. However, it would be next to impossible for that to happen. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association says it takes about 100 acres of scrubby sagebrush-covered land, such as Gibbons’, to support a single cow.

Gibbons, however, hired politically connected Elko attorney John Marvel to press his case. On “Face to Face With Jon Ralston” on Tuesday, Aguirre said he felt backed into a corner because Marvel sits on the Nevada Tax Commission. The commission has great influence over assessors, setting state policy and hearing taxpayer appeals of assessors’ decisions.

Marvel produced checks totaling $5,727 for grazing fees. Aguirre was dubious of the arrangement and said he couldn’t determine whether the checks had ever been cashed. But feeling pressured, Aguirre caved in, cutting Gibbons’ annual tax bill from about $5,000 to $39.71.

Using his political clout to bully the assessor of a rural county into giving him a tax break he didn’t deserve is disgusting. It is sadly yet another display of Gibbons’ imperial arrogance and his belief that he is above the law.

He should do the right thing and pay the full tax bill, but judging from his track record, we doubt that will ever happen.

Discussion: 4 comments so far…

By dctipton

7/16/08 at 8:29 a.m.

Suggest removal

When is enough enough! This governor is an embarrassment to our state. The lies and deceit started before he was elected and it hasn't stopped. What does it take to have him removed?
By Teaser

7/16/08 at 10:51 a.m.

Suggest removal

Well, Sun, what DOES it take? Why not write an article detailing the EXACT steps and paperwork required so that we, the readers, know what to do? Why not start the work yourselves instead of bitching about it all the time?
By GreenBeans

7/16/08 at 5:08 p.m.

Suggest removal

dc, why would we want him removed? If he is, another Republican (Krolicki) takes his place, and gets to run as the incumbent in 2010. Keeping him in office is the best weapon the D's have to take back the Governorship in this state. And while Teaser's comments that the procedure of obtaining the agricultural use tax waiver might be useful to others, it does not excuse Jim Gibbons (yet again) blatant abuse of power and his office for his own gain. What's amazing is that his unapologetic abuses have turned him against one of his political party's own in attacking Mr. Aguirre. Don't know the fellow, but he certainly sounds like someone that is upstanding and dedicated to doing his job. Our Governor has only a black heart and an evil soul.
By benighse

7/16/08 at 8:13 p.m.

Suggest removal

If the Elko DA or the Nevada AG won't investigate this mess, at least start some new bumper stickers:

"RETAIN JIM GIBBONS---For the Belittlement of Nevada"

"MY GOVERNOR EMBARRASSES ME!"

"I'll be Governor 'til the Cows Come Home!"

"I've Got Some Retirement Property in Elko--I think I'll Retire Now!"

"Let the Governor Get a New Wife, So He Doesn't Have to Cheat on His Taxes"

"WE'LL TRADE GOVN'R GIBBONS, FOR THE NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP; IT'S LESS HAZARDOUS TO OUR STATE"

...I'm sure you can come up with better ones, but it's a start....