THE LEGISLATURE:

Jim Gibbons: Gov. Veto

He’s set the state record for vetoes. Some were expected; others have Carson City surprised, even perplexed

AP Photo/Brad Horn, Nevada Appeal

Gov. Jim Gibbons holds up AB552 and SB433 after he vetoed the bills on the Capitol steps in Carson City at the Nevada Legislature on Thursday.

By J. Patrick Coolican (contact), David McGrath Schwartz (contact)

Sunday, May 31, 2009 | 2 a.m.

Errors bill had support of hospitals

With 31 vetoes, a look at what the governor opposed (5-29-2009)
Assembly's override puts tax package into law (5-29-2009)
The JIm Gibbons voters elected (5-29-2009)
Gibbons' veto stings educators at rally (5-28-2009)

Archive of Sun politics stories

CARSON CITY — Vetopalooza.

That is what punch-drunk legislators and lobbyists are calling the flurry of vetoes by Gov. Jim Gibbons as the legislative session nears its end.

The vetoes have come in batches big and small, 42 as of midday Saturday, with notes attached that are at turns principled and petulant.

Gibbons has set a record, beating out early statehood Gov. Henry Blasdel, who rejected 33 bills during the 1864-65 Legislature. His vetoes have run the gamut, from the budget and the taxes needed to pay for it, to help for workers who get injured, to a hunting apprenticeship program, to tougher reporting requirements for hospitals (see story, page 8).

Like so much about Gibbons — his rodeo lifestyle, his laissez faire approach to governing and his uncompromising conservative ideology — no one has seen anything like it.

“I’ve been here 29 years, and normally a governor communicates with the Legislature during the session about what he likes and what he doesn’t, and there’s a compromise,” said Danny Thompson, a former assemblyman and head of the state AFL-CIO.

“He’s not engaged in the process. If you talk to anyone here, they’ve seen nothing like it. It makes no sense,” Thompson said.

Capital observers cite two main reasons for all the vetoes: The governor’s ideology, which dictates that government should offer light oversight of the marketplace; and open hostility between the Democratic-controlled Legislature and the governor.

In an e-mail exchange, Dan Burns, the governor’s spokesman, said the issue is not vetoes, but rather, bad legislation.

“If the Legislature would stop sending over so many bad bills, the governor would not have to veto them. A ‘bad bill’ has new or higher taxes, new or higher fees (without the support of the industry or people paying the fee), or is simply bad public policy for government. Each bill is considered on its own merits,” Burns wrote.

He continued: “The governor takes no pride in breaking a record for vetoes ... The governor takes pride in standing up for what he believes in and in keeping the promises he made to the people who voted for him. If that means a veto, then so be it.”

Gibbons might have felt slighted

But a Republican lobbyist who served in the administration of Gov. Kenny Guinn, the two-term Republican, said Guinn would frequently call over to the Legislature to voice his views about bills and suggest compromises to avoid vetoes.

The problem with vetoes as a strategy is that they are accompanied by the risk of overrides. As of midday Saturday, the Legislature had overridden four vetoes, but many more overrides are coming.

The overrides can make a governor appear weak and rob him of political capital, which Gibbons had little of to begin with. There was talk among Republicans of switching votes to help Gibbons sustain vetoes and thus prevent further embarrassment.

Like so many others, the Republican lobbyist asked for anonymity because he fears, well, vetoes in retribution.

This governor has made few calls to the Legislature and is rarely, if ever, in the building. His relationship with the Legislature, including veteran Republicans, is distant at best.

Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, acknowledged that Gibbons has been the least engaged of any governor since his tenure began 3 1/2 decades ago.

But he didn’t lay all the blame on Gibbons.

“The Legislature started out here extremely critical of the governor. I don’t think extreme criticism is helpful to the process,” he said. “I don’t think the Legislature, particularly Democratic leadership, made him feel very welcome.”

The governor is giving his veto stamp such a workout that lobbyists and lawmakers were nervous Saturday about whether their bills would suffer the fate of so many others.

What is particularly unnerving, they say, is that his staff members are in the dark about what will get vetoed, and they don’t have any guiding principle for what will get the stamp.

“All businesses, before they ask us to pull the trigger on one of their bills, have to make a phone call to the governor and make sure he’s not going to veto it,” said Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas.

A few of the vetoes have confused legislators.

In some cases, his argument seemed to be that if he could not have the whole bakery, he does not want a loaf of bread.

Assembly Bill 463 would limit the use of pricey consultants in an effort to improve transparency and save the state money. Gibbons vetoed it because it continued to allow consulting contracts for the higher education system and the Legislature.

The Assembly overrode the veto easily Saturday.

Another veto of the “No half loaf for me” variety was his rejection of Assembly Bill 458, which would create a rainy-day fund for K-12 education and take some money from redevelopment agencies for schools. Gibbons called it a “laudable goal.”

“I agree that such a fund should be created. However, I disapprove of this bill because it does not create similar funds for other areas of state government,” he wrote.

Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, on the floor of her chamber, was incredulous about the veto of the education rainy day fund. “It is incomprehensible to me that the governor would veto this bill.”

The Assembly overrode the veto easily.

Oddly, Gibbons allowed another bill, AB165, which would bolster the state rainy day fund, to become law without his signature.

Some, you’d think he’d like.

There were several bills that would seem to appeal to a conservative such as Gibbons, but they got the veto stamp anyway.

A favorite program of the National Rifle Association would create a hunter apprenticeship program.

Assembly Bill 446, sponsored by Buckley, would have required the budget to include a summary of long-term performance in such areas as public schools, the university system, human services, public safety and health in an effort to improve accountability.

Gibbons, in his veto message, said the start-up costs would be $347,000, and it would require an annual allocation of $141,000. Without that money, the governor said, the Administration Department could not perform the tasks outlined in the bill.

Another vetoed bill conservatives might have liked: Newspapers currently publish the property tax rolls, a source of easy advertising revenue. Assembly Bill 307 would have permitted governments to publish the information on the Internet to save money.

In vetoing the bill, the governor said access to the Internet in large portions of rural Nevada is not available or available only in dial-up form. Deputy Chief of Staff Mendy Elliott said Las Vegas Review-Journal Publisher Sherman Frederick was lobbying the governor on the issue.

The first round of vetoes came on May 21.

Among others, no to a voter-approved gas tax increase in Washoe County: The ballot question they voted on was confusing, Gibbons said.

No to an increase in water fees paid to the state engineer: “I am not aware of any significant support by industry.”

No to a bill expanding the Consumer Health Assistance Office: “It’s not an ‘essential’ government service.”

Last week, Gibbons vetoed Senate Bill 283, which would allow for domestic partnerships for straight and gay couples. The Senate overrode his veto, and the Assembly was expected to follow suit. Thursday was the big day. He vetoed eight budget bills and 12 others.

By Saturday afternoon, Gibbons’ total was 42.

The Legislature still has about 36 hours to get bills to him, and to override.

Sun Capital Bureau Chief Cy Ryan contributed to this story.

Discussion: 24 comments so far…

By hooloogoo

5/31/09 at 3:42 a.m.

Suggest removal

.
..
...Governor Potato Head has made few calls to the legislators but he sure burned up the text message services to his bar fly girl friends..

...His idol is probably George Bush senior who broke a few pens vetoing bills passed in his administration..

...It's time for a special session for impeachment trials for this Governor and see if he can veto his impeachment..

...Horrors to the thought of his flying jet fighters at taxpayer expense....Gads...
..
.
By Fccfirstclass

5/31/09 at 4:28 a.m.

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Impeachment is one thing. I would support it. However, what I want back is the salary the zero bagged from this state for his so called service.

No one has done so little to get paid so much.

I am sure his main squeeze and girlfriends like his money.
By darkhorse

5/31/09 at 5:38 a.m.

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The problem with Gibbons, is that he is a politician that never heard the word compromise. Good Luck in your divorce proceedings Governor, depositions, hotel records, cell phone records and modern technology will eventually bury this good ol boy. Welcome to 2009.
By CactusJack

5/31/09 at 8:21 a.m.

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Is he a loser or a loon?
By Another_Viewpoint

5/31/09 at 9:30 a.m.

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It seems to me that the Governer is unable to come up with anything positive for the state during his administration, so he's trying to do as much damage as he can in an effort to "make his mark."

If this is all the GOP representatives can do, then we can look forward to several administrations of Democrats, in both the individual states, and on the Federal level.

Punishing the educational system, State employees, the poor, and the tourist industry, while at the same time adequately demonstrating his lack of leadership, Gibbons has made himself a very poor example of leadership.
By DS

5/31/09 at 9:38 a.m.

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Good for Gov. Gibbons. At least someone has the back bone to stand up to the tax-and-spend libs that want to run our state into the ground. Take a look at California, you can't continually burden the productive members of society for the sake of the unproductive. The system will eventually capitulate.
By Mandy

5/31/09 at 10:25 a.m.

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DS:

Don't be such a moron!! Nevada is NOT California!!! You cannot compare the two states. Do you not realize higher taxes (and believe me - NV is far at the bottom of the list for taxing its citizens) support services YOU NEED AND USE? What new things exactly are Nevadans getting taxed for? A higher sales tax? Ours is STILL one of the lowest in the country? Perhaps you would have favored a 5% personal income tax to have been passed so you wouldn't have to pay that measly sales tax?

Move to Cali if you don't like it here....or in the alternative - go move to any State east of the MIssissipi - and then talk about higher taxes.
By gmag39

5/31/09 at 10:31 a.m.

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A serial womanizer.
A Petulant politician.
An Egoist.
An Abject failure as Governor.
Gym Gibbins.
Governor Veto.
Sadly, I'm sure he's very PROUD.
By tbvegas

5/31/09 at 10:49 a.m.

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The Luv Gov is My hero!

I realize I am in the minority as I am a hardworking self sufficient Native Nevadan. I am now outnumbered by transplant peasants waiting for handouts or public employees protecting theirs.
By neiman1

5/31/09 at 10:58 a.m.

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The Governor stood firm on the economics. He vetoed the NRA bill because it added costs while we are in negative revenue. It didn't matter that conservatives like the bill, it raised costs when there is NO money.

The legislature wants to please everyone that helps get them elected. They add costs that have to be dealt with later. This year we saw how they deal with it. More taxes.

I am glad the Governor held the line on spending. It's that much less that will be in deficit as this year continues to show lower and lower income for the State and the taxpayers.
By friday

5/31/09 at 12:31 p.m.

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I'd like to give Governor Gibbons a resounding "Thank you" for being the only representative to stand by his promise of not raising taxes on Nevadans.

Unlike Horsford the rest of our sad representation who lied to us about raising taxes.
By DS

5/31/09 at 12:40 p.m.

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Mandy: see tbvegas' post. And why would I move to California? California is the example I gave of a liberal government out of control. Doesn't the fact that they are on the verge of capitulation tell you anything about the practical results of your liberal fiscal agenda? And in regards to the "services" you speak of, have you been to the DMV lately? I want these people in in my life as little as possible So, no, I will not move. I will stay in the great state of Nevada and keep fighting lazy liberals like yourself.
By dkdr9900

5/31/09 at 2:36 p.m.

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Hey Native Nevadan

I see your need for education is naught. Continue to starve Nevada of what it need most. We need money for education. If we do not grow into the 21st century we will be classless and ignorant as our Governor.
By billsail

5/31/09 at 2:45 p.m.

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Good for the Gov! As a former Kalifornia resident I can see the way Nevada would go if the tax and spend liberals have their way. If you want higher taxes, more government running every aspect of your life and less freedom then move to Kalifornia! You tax and spend liberals should move there instead of trying to turn Nevada into Kalifornia...
By ths

5/31/09 at 3:48 p.m.

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Imagine what this state could do with a little more money. I moved here and enjoy no income tax, but realize that this state is at the bottom of every bad statistic.

The parasites like DS, Native Nevadan, billsail and more just want to get their police, fire, medical, roads, and they probably are retired so feel they don't need to pay for schools as why do they need education?

This is sad that the no income tax of this state attracts such parasites. Time to reform while keeping taxes low, just not unrealisticly low while letting the fundamentals suffer. One does not have to be a tax and spend liberal to care for the state and do what is right. Will you do what is right?
By TBG

5/31/09 at 3:53 p.m.

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Nevada's Judges keep a $30k per year pay increase while Nevadans taxes increase to cover the costs!

While the Legislature votes to increase taxes on Nevadans they also allow a $30,000 per year pay increase plus increase in retirement benefits for Nevada's Judges. These same judicial officers rank among the highest paid in the nation. How can the Legislature justify allowing this significant increase to stand at the expense of education, police, and other important and necessary services?
By DS

5/31/09 at 4:32 p.m.

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ths, you call me a parasite? LOL, I'll compare 1040's with you any day.
By DS

5/31/09 at 4:57 p.m.

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And nice try taking a shot at retirees. Most retirees have spent a life time of hard work paying taxes and now you have the audacity to label them as greedy because they want to enjoy retirement in a tax friendly state. Get a clue before we chase these valuable resources out of our state.
By gotjobs

5/31/09 at 6:49 p.m.

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I guess some including LVS don't like the governor. Can you believe the "audacity" of Gibbons?

Maybe there is a message here, like his spokesman said "bad legislation" proposed, maybe.
By gmag39

5/31/09 at 9:40 p.m.

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Yep. He is right, and EVERYONE ELSE is WROOOONG! A lot of people worked hard to come to some compromises. Not Gym Gibbins. Because he was being arrogant, aloof, pious, petulant, and SILLY. He's an old Nag. Time to send him out to pasture. Or the glue factory.
By azsk8fan

6/1/09 at 5:48 a.m.

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Gibbons is a moron and should be impeached immediately - and yes, be made to pay back all our hard-earned tax dollars he collected along the way. What a loser he is.
By CactusJack

6/1/09 at 9:04 a.m.

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We have an entire generation of ignorance about the role, purpose and need for government and the unwillingness to pay for it. The states with the skinflints who post here and other places are at the bottom in terms of quality of life. California is a mess because of those who just don't get it, not because of those who understand that government services are vital to society and have to be paid for. They would rather keep their pennies and stay mindless.

I do have to admit most money spent on education is wasted, given the results of it shown here.
By airweare

6/1/09 at 9:59 a.m.

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What a genius we have in Jimbo! See, here's how it works for him. He says, "No taxes!" Then he says it again. Then he sexmessages and galavants with married women. Then he says,"No taxes!" again.

Vetoes some tax bills.

Goes home.

See? No labors...no worries.

Kids can't read, add or write. No business even considers setting up in Nevada except tattoo parlors, bars and brothels. Adults post thoughtless cliches on the Sun with poor spelling, no punctuation and no logic. Roads crumble. Energy falls all over the place, but nobody cares.