Nevada needs solid strategy

Sam King

Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010 | 2:07 a.m.

The year 2010 is driving home the fact that Nevadans can no longer depend upon, nor operate under, 20th century rules. Beginning in the 1800s, Nevadans pioneered a unique way of life, conquering our desert, building communities populated with rugged determined individuals and funded by boom economies. Nevada became a state as our nation waged a civil war. Mining, ranching, gaming, real estate, business entrepreneurs and military enterprises — Nevada embraced economic endeavors that provided high risk and big returns. Stakes were high. There were big winners. There were and continue to be casualties under the present system. Infrastructure and sustainability were triaged. Nevada lived up to the values and mind-set of being the “Battle Born” state.

That was then. In the 21st century, infrastructure and sustainability can no longer survive and bet on the next boom. Quality of life issues are front and center, requiring a solid strategy.

With a biennial Legislature operating under interim committees, councils and advisory commissions between sessions and meeting via special sessions as called by the governor, short-term standoffs and short-term solutions become standard operating procedure. Campaign sound bites are expensive public relations tools that undermine public trust after November elections.

The current situation is not sustainable. The cure must fix our outdated tax structure once the 2011 tax package sunsets in 2011. State and local governments should work together, not as competitors. Home rule is on the table and a viable option as long as transparency, fiscal support and accountability are the outcomes. Embracing new economic opportunities with high return and high risk are part of economic diversity but must be curbed by consequences. Environment friendly business opens the door to opportunities.

Public education is a fundamental right for citizens of Nevada. All children must be afforded adequate, equitable education or we will never meet the needs of a 21st century workforce.

Government in Nevada must provide what individuals cannot provide for themselves. The justice system in Nevada should not be the alternative to a quality education. Juvenile justice is part of education reform. Health care is part of quality of life and touches everyone.

Quality of life issues are supported by all in the abstract. Concrete solutions are the difficult remedy. Nevertheless, failure to find concrete solutions at best continues the status quo. We are hopeful that our elected officials find the best possible short-term solutions in the upcoming special session while setting the stage for true reform in 2011.

Sam King is president of the League of Women Voters of Nevada.