Sandoval releasing two cabinet members, backs Internet poker

By Cy Ryan

Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

CARSON CITY — Gov.-elect Brian Sandoval is dumping two cabinet members and is supporting legalization of Internet poker.

Dale Erquiaga, senior advisor to Sandoval, said the governor has notified Dianne Cornwall that she will not be reappointed as director of the Business and Industry Department, and Energy Director Jim Groth will not be retained in the new administration.

The governor met this week with about 30 school officials and with some 50 representatives of local government.

Erquiaga said no budget decisions have been made. But, he added, “something like furloughs” will be continued for state workers to help with the state’s budget problems.

Asked about the release of Cornwall and Groth, Erquiaga said the governor wants to pick his own people and the change has nothing to do with their job performance.

At his meeting with school officials, Sandoval reviewed his position on vouchers for students to attend schools and a proposal that any third-grade student who cannot read cannot be promoted.

He said public school officials oppose the voucher plan.

Erquiaga said the meeting with local government officials was a “listening session” and no commitments have been made. That means there’s no decision whether to sweep budgets of local governments to help the state with its financial crunch.

Sandoval also met with agricultural officials about the appointment of a director in that department. The present director is Tony Lesperance. The agriculture board recommends a director and the governor must approve the appointment.

Sandoval plans to meet with all the former governors, but he has not yet met with sitting Gov. Jim Gibbons. Erquiaga said Sandoval has asked for a meeting with Gibbons but has not received a reply.

Sandoval met with Paul Laxalt, a former Nevada governor and senator, while he was in Washington D.C. Sandoval interned for Laxalt while he was in the U.S. Senate.

Sandoval is planning for a traditional inauguration at noon on Jan. 3 on the front steps of the state capitol in Carson City. He and his family will attend Mass at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church that morning. After the inauguration, there will be a public reception.

He will give his State of the State Address to the Legislature on Jan. 24.