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twitterRory Reid emphasizes need to remix economy
In announcement day sit-down, candidate for governor critiques incumbent
Steve Marcus
Rory Reid talks about his campaign for governor during a meeting at the Las Vegas Sun Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009.
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 | 2 a.m.
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- Rory Reid, who announced he is running for governor, on how his plan will jumpstart the economy.
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- Reid draws distinction between himself and Gov. Jim Gibbons.
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- Reid declines to say how he would fill the budget hole.
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- Reid on waiting on the interim tax committee.
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- Reid says he would have passed the 2009 tax increase.
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- Reid talks about himself and his approach.
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Sun Archives
- Rory Reid outlines plan for Nevada if elected to run it (10-14-2009)
- Speaker Barbara Buckley says she won't run for governor (9-11-2009)
- As the Reids seek office, who hurts whom? (9-8-2009)
- Political intrigue brewing in the 2010 governor's race (8-16-2009)
- Rory Reid hits duo of likely rivals with 1 stone (6-18-2009)
- Rory Reid lays ground for run for governor (9-12-2008)
- Building Trades council endorses Rory Reid for governor (6-8-2009)
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Rory Reid officially entered the governor’s race Wednesday, pledging to create jobs and diversify Nevada’s narrow economy after decades of heavy reliance on gaming and tourism.
The recession has brought the need for economic diversification into sharp relief, he said. And the failure to diversify, he added, rests on the shoulders of the state’s elected officials — including his father, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
In announcing his candidacy, the Democrat also joined his Republican competitors in failing to articulate how he would plug the state’s estimated $2 billion budget hole. He’s reserving judgment on the state’s tax structure until an independent commission reveals its recommendations next year.
He did, however, say that he would not have vetoed the state’s largest tax increase in the past legislative session, calling the hike a “bipartisan accord that kept the lights on and kept the state going.”
The comments came during a 40-minute interview with the Sun in which Reid blasted Gov. Jim Gibbons for failing to win more federal stimulus dollars and outlined a number of “budget-neutral” measures and “small investments” that he said would put Nevada on a path to long-term prosperity.
“I don’t think anybody believes the gaming industry will take us to the promised land again,” Reid said. “In our history this is the first time that has been the prevalent view. There is urgency in the air. This is a unique opportunity to do the things we’ve always said we were going to do. We have to do it now. This is the moment.”
Reid said he’s spent the past few months convening meetings with policy experts and industry leaders to develop the vision he sketches in a 30-page blueprint called “The Virtual Crossroads.” The ideas seek to capitalize on Nevada’s natural advantages — from its identity as a shipping hub to its potential for renewable energy — and borrow from a half-dozen other states.
For instance, Reid proposes a state fund to invest in venture capital projects here. A similar program in Iowa used $28 million to attract six venture funds, with more than $570 million in capital, to that state. Reid also wants to replicate the success of states such as Maryland and Massachusetts in transferring the technology developed on college campuses to the private sector.
He notes companies affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology employ 1.1 million people and boast world sales of $232 billion.
“Other states have been more aggressive on these types of things because they’ve had to be,” Reid said. “We’ve been the land of milk and honey for many years, and it’s only recently that we’ve had the new reality of our economy.”
Reid acknowledged the state would need new revenue to fund education initiatives and infrastructure investments, such as high-speed rail and broadband Internet access. He declined to detail where those new sources of revenue would come from, saying he would await the results of a legislative study of the state’s tax structure. If elected, Reid said, his budget would be “informed by the facts at the moment.”
Still, he said Nevada could start the recovery now by capturing more federal stimulus dollars.
As Clark County Commission chairman, Reid said he coordinated with Southern Nevada’s local governments to apply for funding and expects the county will receive $400 million in stimulus money by year’s end. He criticized Gibbons for his handling of the stimulus, saying the governor should lobby Washington more aggressively.
Robert Olmer, Gibbons’ campaign manager, blamed Reid’s father: “Harry Reid should be looked at for that. It was his obligation to make sure our state was taken care of, instead of being at the very bottom of stimulus dollars being offered by the federal government.”
Reid also hit Gibbons for what lobbyists and legislators of both parties have called the governor’s detached approach during the legislative session.
“A governor has an obligation to propose a budget and then work day and night to make sure it’s enacted,” Reid said. “It’s unfortunate that this governor proposed a budget and then promptly disappeared only to say no new taxes every once in a while.”
Olmer said Gibbons “set the stage” and that the Legislature “should have followed his lead, not the other way around.”
Reid acknowledged that the state is in difficult circumstances and that there’s enough blame to go around.
“I think we all have blame,” Reid said. “And the blame game would take a long time to play and we’d all be exhausted and we would not have moved the ball down the field. We are where we are because Nevada has kicked the can down the road for decades.”
He added: “I want to be the person that begins this debate … We have to start making a new economy here.”
Sun reporter J. Patrick Coolican contributed to this story.
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rory Reid is a curious politician. He bankrupt Clark County with billions in federal court wrongful death, abuse and neglect lawsuits. Now, he and his staff refuse to respond to the lawsuits except to continue using our tax dollars to litigate already court ordered settlements. YOUR RIGHT!
I for one don't feel that we need another Reid in Nevada government. Between Rory and his father, taxpayer dollars have been squandered and promises broken. If Reid proposes more federal stimulus dollars as the answer to the state's problems, then my friends tax increases are just around the corner as well.
Rory wants to "put Nevada on the path to long term prosperity". Doesn't he understand that we can only move forward as the rest of the nation does. Nevada can start as many new businesses as it wants, but if jobs aren't created nationwide as well as in our state, who will be able to afford to spend money anywhere? The lucky citizens who have jobs, don't want to spend their money as freely as they used to because they are wondering if and when they may become jobless. Our economy cannot start repairing itself until jobs are created and the unemployed are put back to work.
What is the real potential for transferring the technology which is developed at Nevada colleges to the private sector? In other words, how strong are research programs at Nevada colleges? How realistic is the comparison to MIT? What sort of infrastructure and resources do we need around our Nevada campuses to make this idea work?
Reid was the "leader" who drove the county into the ground and sign terrible contracts that let over half of the firefighters earn over $100k and have pensions over $100k. The unions have him in their pocket.
Now, he wants to lead the state????
Are we that dumb or crazy?
Hey all. Today (October 15) on "Face to Face with Jon Ralston", we are talking with Rory Reid about his vision for Nevada, his competition in the governor's race and the challenge of having two Reids on the 2010 ballot. That's at 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 8:00pm on Las Vegas ONE, Cox Cable Channel 19.
fremmas-
Ummm... I think you're missing the point. The path to long term prosperity means we're no longer a slave to tourism, but that we do have a more diversified economy. While I'm also hoping for more national action (personally, I think the stimulus was too small and too loaded with corporate tax cuts to be as effective as it could be), we don't have to wait for more national action to do what we must do here in Nevada to free ourselves from this slavery to the casinos' business cycle. We can create jobs by bringing in new sectors, like information technology, biotech, renewable energy, and the film industry.
Grandma-
There is real potential. We just need to stop shortchanging our schools. There's definitely potential at UNLV and UNR, and we can do even more if we stop slashing their budgets and making school too expensive for too many students.
Oh, and I love how the Gibbons fans here are calling us "dumb" and "crazy" for wanting new leadership. What has he done for the state? Last I checked, Clark County's in better fiscal shape than the state and state tax increases happened under Gibbons' watch. At least Rory doesn't want more regressive taxes that hit working-class families the hardest.
But oh yeah, that's rights, Republicans don't care about working-class people.
Guy,
Tonight when he is interviewed ask him about the Beltway bids and the cost to us the taxpayers. Here is an email I sent to Reid.
Dear Mr. Reid,
I am an independent voter and I have been following recent events occurring under your leadership along with the budget crises we are facing and I am confused. I am reading articles where you want change for Nevada, is the change you want going to be like the $4.6 million being given away to the second bidder on the Beltway?
I am disappointed with you not taking control of this situation and showing your true leadership skills. It does appear that you are willing to spend $4.6 million more and willing to spend another few hundred thousand to defend off the lawsuits and quite possibly another $15,000,000.00 or more to pay one of the contractors lost overhead and profits for not being awarded the contract. This would be the second time in recent history where under your leadership an out of court settlement in excess of $30,000,0000.00 was made to Mohler and Mona property owners, these amount were based on values when the economy was in the dumps yet the values paid were based on prior economic conditions and top dollar was paid. In either case we the taxpayer are left with the bill while many departments are searching for new funding to pay bills.
Clark County is in a budget crises and it does appear that the cost to us the taxpayers will be in excess on of ten million when it is all said done based on the lawsuits being filed on behalf of all parties involved with the dispute. From a layman's points isn't the kind of change we need in a Governor. If you really have the leadership skills to run Nevada and provide a positive direction for our State, this would be a great place to start.
Please call me if you would like to talk about this.
PS:
The amounts the County has spend for restricting isn't limited to the amounts above. Other amounts paid out include the folling:
Sisolak came away with about $23.5 million after he was reimbursed for legal fees and interest paid on the land.
Urban Land Nevada, a family-owned company, was awarded $110 million for 140 acres that was condemned south of a runway. And two hotel-development companies were awarded a combined $50 million for height limits imposed on 21 acres dubbed Alexis Park, north of the airport
Just remember the ACORN does not fall far from the tree.
Why isn't Reid content with being a commissioner? Who is pushing him to run for Governor? That is the real question. Who wants him in there? And why? Why doesn't somebody investigate that? John Ralston should start earning his pay.
Clark County reported they spent $1 million litigating wrongful death, abuse and neglect lawsuits on which Clark County's liability carrier is paying out policy limits. The conflict of interest going on under the leadership of Rory Reid bankrupted the County with ongoing settlements. With what taxes does Rory Reid intend to support the City, County, or State? Our tax dollars are going to pay out the settlements. YOUR RIGHT!
Another example to ask how Reid is going to run the state.
McCarthy Construction was the apparent low bid on a major project and the County rejected their bid because the time stamp was done after the 2:00 pm bid closing time. The dispute over this is that employees from the construction firm indicated that no County staff was at the counter thus making the bid late and now the County is contemplating awarding the project yet the second bidder how bid more than the low bid.
From an insider who works in the industry I would tend to sway towards McCarthy because it is common that County staff is off lolly gagging and not doing their job. McCarthy should prevail, however, based on the County's recent award with the Beltway I for one believe they'll award to the 2nd bidder thus McCarthy will be entitled to lost overhead and profits for the County's negligence. This amount could potentially reach $10,000,000.00 should McCarthy prevail in all matters relating to the County not doing their due diligence.
My question is; with the hundreds of millions paid out in lawsuit settlements just within Clark County while you were the Head Commissioner what can we expect from you if you are elected to be Governor? It appears to me that the budget problems the County has could've been mitigated and we the taxpayers would realize untold millions in savings if votes and awards were done with taxpayer's best interest in mind.
Also, the basis of rejection for the Beltway bid knowing the contractor is preapproved with unlimited bid State Contractors License does appear to be suspect. My question is how are you going to ensure that Nevada Department of Transportation doesn't adopt the policies you have supported with the County bid awards?
My concern as a taxpayer is you've spent hundreds of millions in a small jurisdiction that was otherwise avoidable and now you want to manage an entire state where billions are at stake. I am concerned that other agencies will adopt your polices and we'll become just like California and broke 100% percent of the time as a state and the only ones that will prosper are social programs and other programs that don't create jobs or stimulate the economy.
If the past is any indication of the future we the taxpayers can't afford the wasteful spending that the departments have that you presently manaage. When the entire State comes under your control the losses to us could be in the billions and can we really afford this?
Let's see you fix what you've broken here before attempting to run the State.
For God's sake we don't need another Reid.
Please give me another choice Democrats.
I dragged myself through the pamphlet called "The Virtual Crossroads" but could never get past the word "Virtual" which means:
1) Existing in the MIND, especially as a product of the IMAGINATION, and
2) Existing or resulting in essence or effect though NOT IN ACTUAL FACT, FORM, or NAME.
It could just as easily been called "I Have A Dream" but that one's already taken.
The one thing I came away with was there were NO PLANS WHASOEVER to deal with:
1) Las Bugsy's water problem which is ticking time bomb to the city's very existence, and
2) The 'virtually' tax-free rape, plunder, and pillage of our state's VAST mineral resources. Btw, GOLD is now above $1,065 and the foreign corps are shipping it out by the trainloads.
All-in-all, "The Virtual Crossroads" is inferior in every way to even Palin's ability to write a "book".
Things will get worse under Gried II than it is under Goober I. Judge Sandoval is the only candidate with the intellect and experience to lead the Exodus into any type of Promised Land. Ichabod will only take us deeper into the Red Sea which Gried I created as the major recipient of the mining lobby.
Choose well, voters. This is your last chance at getting away from the same moronics that have brought us where we are today.
atdleft, bringing in jobs by creating new sectors will work when people will invest in these new companies , and the public will spend their money on these new products if they have it. Then if they have it who will want to spend it instead of saving it. The U.S. as a whole must work together in bringing us out of this hole we are in.
atdleft where did I miss the point, outside of the one that is the top of your head?
Government spending created many jobs in the Great Depression, Hoover Dam for example. Some paint that as socialism, others as a wise public investment -- saw a cool site; Balkingpoints ; incredible satellite view of earth
I am voting based on a double play. If Harry Reid does anything but use his powers as majority leader to include a true public option in health care reform, as a Democrat I won't vote for him. And to punish him I won't vote for Rory either.
Just think about the fact you could have Kansas's Sen. Pat Roberts for Governor. He is a surly, colleague bashing x-Marine who needs to be penalized for his colleague bashing attitude.
Every piece of legislation that Pat has not sponsored is bashed and he is telling his colleague's the way to vote to maintain his favor of other bills including Sen. Reid!
Rory: surrender now. No one will vote for you because your fathers reputation has killed your chances. Why not open up a socialist bookstore instead?
We don't need another political family. Look at Bush (W). This Rory guy would had never made it if he did not have his father Harry. SAD.
Just his goofy looks speak volumes! I don't have anything against nerds, I just don't want this one making rules and laws he know nothing about. Has he ever had a real job?
Just sick of hearing about waiting for the "legislative study" on tax structure. Seriously, is there one person that does not know what they are going to suggest? What have the other studies suggested? We spend money just to give the Dem's cover to try to impose a business tax. Rory waiting for those recommendations is just wussing out.
Everyone loves the idea of a diversified economic base but blaiming the costs of our University system is a joke. It is still cheaper for a Californian to come to Nevada for school as an out of state student than for them to pay the in-state tution in Cali.
The idea of a seed fund to bring in tech companies is actually pretty good, why dont we just have it be some form of private/public match (we could start with the million allocated for the tax study) with a non-governmental advisory/investment board.
Regardless, Rory is hosed for 2 reasons. First his dad and second is that non-partisans are going to vote more conservative this next cycle and no matter how much lipstick he puts on he is still a donkey.
I've only been out here 7-years, but I guess it comes down to: Do you believe that whoever wins the governor position will create the long-term change needed for Nevada's economy?
Whether you're up north in Reno, or down south in Las Vegas it's pretty obvious that the state of Nevada relies heavily on gaming & tourism.
Too many states have gaming for Nevada to rely solely on gaming. Sure, Las Vegas can build some shiny new buildings but Vegas has had those for years now and even the "one-upsmanship" has gotten stale. Remember the people who called the Wynn Resort "just another Bellagio"? As if having two magnificent resorts is a ho-hum affair.
So... If building shiny new casinos is not the answer, then what is? Give incentive for businesses to come here. Give them tax breaks to build hubs, networks, etc.
Throw a lot of money at education. A lot. It can only help all of us if everyone around us had more education. Myself included. How cool would it be if the cure for cancer came from Las Vegas? Sure, it sounds crazy, but why not?
I still say build I-11 from Phoenix to Reno because I believe that will make Vegas & Reno major shipping hubs that put both of Nevada's major cities on shipping lines that run in two directions. Reno would be in a North/South & East/West cross-section and Vegas would be in a NW/SE and NE/SW cross-section.
Nevada really needs to monopolize on the fact that it is NOT California and can be a hub for the West Coast. California has natural disasters, absurd taxes, even more overpriced real estate than Nevada, and a lot of issues that make doing business there unattractive.
Nevada should use it's location in the Southwest to become a hub for something.
It's pretty obvious that gaming & tourism won't be the way it was back in 2006 for a long time - IF EVER AGAIN - so it's time to look at diversifying Nevada's economy.
Who will do this? I'm not sure. Whoever you believe will get the ball rolling first is who you should vote for. Just remember to vote for somebody who stands for diversifying the economy and holding their feet to the fire if they don't do it.
How does he find shirts to fit his size 9 neck?
Good one mikeg!
Oh god...another Reid! The people of Nevada deserve better than them. We can do better and should. Reject both in the up coming elections. Let's send a message loud and clear!
Thanks, fremmasmind. I really despise nepotism. I saw this guy at Trader Joe's in Henderson last year. He was driving a hybrid (probably paid for by the taxpayers). He had the most concrete exterior I've ever seen on a politician. I think its time for Nevada to move into the 19th Century, at least.
The proof is in the numbers.....
http://transparentnevada.com
Mr. Demarco, I missed yesterday's Face to Face program. Will it be repeated?
I still think a little hair coloring and eye liner will work for Rory. is he meditating in that picture or what.