Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Letter to the editor:

Governor blocks needed discussion on death penalty

The Las Vegas Sun’s reports of our “fiscally conservative” governor’s veto of a bill to study the costs of the death penalty in Nevada left me astounded.

Our legislators inquire how much a policy costs, and the governor’s response is that the state’s auditor cannot be trusted. These are audit professionals trained to objectively define a legitimate methodology. We are left to conclude that the governor believes the cost of this barbaric approach to justice does not matter.

North Carolina found it could save $11 million a year by substituting life in prison for the death penalty. Florida found it could save $51 million by eliminating the death penalty. Is Nevada different?

Might Nevada provide enhanced law enforcement or victim services with that money? With the governor’s veto, Nevadans are denied the opportunity to have that policy discussion.

Further, Gov. Brian Sandoval also said the audit doesn’t reflect the choices by individuals on death row in pursuing appeals. Is he implying that the costs of the system won’t be fairly represented so long as inmates insist on availing themselves of their constitutional rights?

As an American, I believe that government must protect individuals’ rights, especially when an execution is being contemplated. As a taxpayer, I believe government is obligated to know and disclose the cost of its programs when establishing public policy.

If we cannot afford a constitutional system, perhaps we need to explore alternatives? Again, this governor doesn’t trust Nevadans with that kind of information or discussion.

The writer is president of the Nevada Coalition Against the Death Penalty.

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