Friday, January 17, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
COLUMN: John L. Smith
Some Republicans trying to derail governor's tax train
Not everyone is on board with Gov. Kenny Guinn, the gaming industry and prominent legislators when it comes to raising taxes to offset a $704 million state deficit.
The cantankerous spoilsports at the Nevada Republican Liberty Caucus are stopping just short of calling for a tax revolt as Guinn heads into next week's State of the State address, where he is expected to call for a wide range of revenue generators.
"The 'Guinn Tax on Gross Receipts' will devastate our business community, and our economy," Liberty Caucus Chairman George Harris writes in a fund-raising letter he says will go out to 32,000 potential contributors.
A persuasive message to business owners?
Maybe. But it appears the tax train is leaving the station with or without them.
'CROSSFIRE' KUDO: Wednesday's final remark by Paul Begala, co-host of CNN's popular "Crossfire" show, is sure to be replayed often in Mayor Oscar Goodman's office. Talk about an endorsement.
At the end of a segment on the NFL's refusal to air a commercial for Las Vegas during the upcoming Super Bowl, Begala gushed over Goodman.
"Mayor Oscar Goodman of Las Vegas: My favorite mayor in America," the commentator announced to a national audience.
Another "Crossfire" combatant, James Carville, previously has said he would be willing to run Goodman's next campaign.
No need for Carville's magic in the upcoming mayoral election. Goodman already has banked more than $700,000 with no credible opponent in sight.
SUPER PARTY: Don't tell the NFL, but former pros Deacon Jones, Danny White and Roger Craig will play host to a rolling party at the Riviera on Super Bowl Sunday. Surely they've promised not to peek at the heathen, evil sports book.
ODD MAN OUT: San Francisco 49ers coach Steve Mariucci was sacked earlier this week despite a six-year record of 57-39 and four playoff appearances.
Strangely enough, the 49ers failed to cover the point spread the last 10 weeks of the season, local gambler Lem Banker says.
"I've never seen anything like it," Banker says.
You don't suppose certain team owners bet with their hearts in all those games, do you?
Going 0-for-10 against the spread would be enough to make anyone want to fire the coach.
ADDY MADNESS: If the NFL thinks the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's ad is too much for sensitive eyes, they ought to gawk at the pitch for the upcoming Addy Awards. It's a scream.
The piece features, shall we say, a "Crying Game" streetwalker dressed to kill. The lovely lady is accompanied by the line, "Do any work last year you're ashamed of?"
Certainly not the Merica Agency's James Adame. He designed the mailer, but maybe he should be blushing. Made me spray coffee all over my desk.
REESE'S RUN: After getting a scare from Nevada Stupak four years ago, City Councilman Gary Reese is extra-motivated as he nears re-election. The laid-back Reese has signed on Gary Gray to handle his campaign and is busy fund raising. (Note the location of Tuesday's State of the City address at the sparkling East Las Vegas Senior Center inside Reese's Ward 3.)
ON THE BOULEVARD: Crazy Horse Too topless cabaret master Rick Rizzolo has retained the services of former Chicago Organized Crime Strike Force attorney Tom Scorza, apparently in an attempt to balance the decidedly federal tilt to the ongoing civil and criminal cases stemming from an incident outside the club involving Kansas City tourist Kirk Henry. ... Speaking of Rizzolo, his crew celebrated its recent courtroom victory in style at Piero's this week. And his advertising man, Tom Letizia, continues to battle with McCarran International Airport officials over their refusal to air the club's "tasteful" video commercial at the airport. ... Class shows. At the Nevada Opera Theatre's 17th Annual Opera Gala on Jan. 24 at Paris Las Vegas, posthumous recognition will be given to the late Las Vegas Sun Managing Editor Sandy Thompson. Thompson wrote often about family court and advocated children's rights issues in her column. ... Max Baer Jr. seen dining with a certified heart-stopper at Fellini's on West Charleston.
Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 383-0295.
