SUN EDITORIAL:

An apology is needed

Gibbons thinks he is owed amends over complaint, but he’s the one who should be sorry

Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 | 2:09 a.m.

Gov. Jim Gibbons was cleared last week of an ethics complaint accusing him of applying undue political pressure on the Elko County assessor to receive a substantial property tax break on land he owns.

The complaint, filed by Travis Bock, executive director of the state Democratic Party, noted that after buying 40 acres of undeveloped land in Elko County, Gibbons personally visited Assessor Joe Aguirre to inquire about an agricultural exemption for his land. Aguirre didn’t think the land qualified, but then Gibbons hired attorney John Marvel, a member of the Nevada Tax Commission, to push for the exemption.

The Nevada Tax Commission has considerable power over county assessors and hears appeals of assessors’ rulings. Gibbons laughably said he didn’t know Marvel was on the commission, even though Marvel has been a member for 18 years.

Feeling that Marvel had “backed me into a corner,” Aguirre allowed Gibbons’ exemption to go through, and as a result Gibbons will pay only $39.71 a year in property taxes, instead of about $1,900.

A two-member panel of the state Ethics Commission cleared Gibbons of any violations under the state’s weak ethics law. “There are a number of people who owe the governor an apology in this matter,” Gibbons said, singling out Bock.

Gibbons says he was merely exercising the rights afforded to any citizen, but holding the state’s highest elected office, Gibbons is not just any citizen. He holds considerable power, which he certainly displayed.

Was it intimidating to Aguirre when Gibbons showed up in his office unannounced with an entourage? Was it intimidating to Aguirre when Gibbons hired Marvel, who sits on a panel that exercises power over assessors’ offices?

Of course, and it is difficult to believe that Gibbons did not understand that. Either the governor is oblivious to his power or reckless with it. And either way, it is not the governor who is owed an apology. The public is.

Discussion: 3 comments so far…

By NVMakz

9/15/08 at 8:54 a.m.

Suggest removal

He IS owed an apology from the ones who kicked dust against him!

Gibbons had his day "in court" and was cleared.

The whining goes on, I guess.

Nuff Said!
By DavidMorgan

9/15/08 at 12:35 p.m.

Suggest removal

Gibbons should be kicked out of office for pulling off an illegal tax reduction on his personal property. At a time when he keeps yelling "no new taxes", he certainly means for himself, as well. He owes $1,900 a year in property tax on those 40 acres near Elko. The fact he won't pay it means he's stealing tax money from the good citizens of Elko County who have to make up the difference in costs for government services and programs. Under state law, individual land owners ONLY can apply for an ag-land tax break. Gibbons' 40 acres cannot produce the $5,000/year income that qualifies for the reduction. Where is the Attorney General on this? The law is the law. The Elko Assessor tried to enforce it. Instead he got a visit from John "The Hammer" Marvel, Jr. to ensure that people of privilege get their way.
By worstnightmere

9/15/08 at 1:28 p.m.

Suggest removal

Yes, where is the Attorney General? Gibbons needs to be fully investigated, for a number of illegal unlawful actions, he had committed in the past few years... Oh but wait, the last Attorney General "Bogden" who was investigating Gibbons was fired from his job.... So I guess the Attorney General is out of the question. Gibbons is just to powerful to catch... Nevada has no other choice but to expect the worst and hope for the best while the Governor is in Office.