But said Clark County Sheriff Bill Young, upon hearing his city would not be sharing in the $500 million bucket of cash being ladled out to 30 major American cities to fund emergency training, purchase field equipment and otherwise "harden the likely targets" of would-be terrorists: "I find it incredible that our city has been ignored. This is money we need and should have."


EDITORIAL: Limo protectionism
In 1776, economist/philosopher Adam Smith explained why armies of lobbyists and trade associations descend on Carson City every time the Legislature is in session: "People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion," the Scotsman noted, "but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices."

Which explains Assembly Bill 518, a measure dreamed up by Las Vegas limousine operators to stifle competition and prevent new companies from offering their services to tourists and local residents alike. The bill, which passed the Assembly by a 36-5 vote, would prohibit the Transportation Services Administration from issuing any new licenses to limo companies for the next two years.

OPINION DIGEST

LETTER: Potential cuts hit little guy
To the editor: As a 25-year teacher with the Clark County School District and parent of two children attending district schools, I am deeply troubled by the "worst case" scenarios budget conceived by central administration and presentated to the school board for its stamp of approval.

COLUMN: Vin Suprynowicz
It sounds like a joke, but -- even as our delegates in Carson City wander about in a sensory-deprivation daze, contemplating whether they will commit political suicide by enacting $1 billion in unnecessary new taxes -- the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is actually asking voters to approve a tax hike to staff four new branch libraries they hope to build with proceeds of a brand new, $51.

NEVADA VIEWS: In the jury box
Senate Bill 73, supported by the Review-Journal in an April 21 editorial and awaiting the governor's signature, offers some changes to the current jury system.

LETTER: Mandates will help Nevadans exercise franchise
To the editor: As the state's chief elections officer, I want to respond to Frank Geary's May 10 story, "State officials say law unnecessary," relating to the Help America Vote Act, which was signed into law by President Bush on Oct.

COLUMN: John Brummett
The best thing to be said about the Democratic presidential candidates is that things can change. The saddest thing is that currently the most impressive is the melodramatic race-baiter from Harlem, Al Sharpton.

COLUMN: Thomas Mitchell
A letter to the editor we published Thursday opined: "I think it's time we should reconsider some of our so-called constitutional rights.

LETTER: Quality of health care for kids at stake
To the editor: Approximately 75,000 children in Nevada are affected by near-sightedness, but nearly 100,000 are in danger from "short-sightedness.

EDITORIAL: Limo protectionism
In 1776, economist/philosopher Adam Smith explained why armies of lobbyists and trade associations descend on Carson City every time the Legislature is in session: "People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion," the Scotsman noted, "but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices.

EDITORIAL: Federal terror money
The temptation is to celebrate the fact that Las Vegas is not now listed by the federal government as a major potential target of Islamic terrorists.

COLUMN: Steve Sebelius
What's the political issue you feel most strongly about? Abortion? Gun rights? Banning smoking in public places? Now imagine a campaign waged on that issue, with forces pro and con fighting out both sides.