State funding solutions unlikely to clear Sandoval hurdle
Call it wishful thinking.
Southern Nevada citizens searching for sources of revenue to save such extravagances as public school teachers and basic social services crammed into the tiny conference room on Thursday morning to watch a televised hearing of the state Assembly Taxation Committee.
What they heard from the well-spoken and balanced Jeremy Aguero of Applied Analysis must have sounded like a holiday wish list of potential revenue streams to help Nevada survive its latest budget crisis.
From reducing write-offs for big mining to raising the insurance premium tax, Aguero hit on a long list of possibilities as members of the committee listened closely.
In theory, one possibility is Assembly Bill 428, which would eliminate many of the mining industry's juicy tax write-offs at a time gold is at record highs. Although several of the largest gold-mine operators in Nevada aren't headquartered here, they appear to have more than enough clout to maintain the status quo.
Meanwhile, Aguero knows fiscal analysts for more than 40 years have suggested broadening Nevada's tax base. Their suggestions were considered, then placed on a shelf to collect dust.
But that's not why that gift-list of potential taxes adds up to wishful thinking. Look no further than Gov. Brian Sandoval and his no-new-taxes pledge for the reason those tax ideas, some of them complete no-brainers in tough economic times, are surely destined for that dusty shelf.
Will big mining, protected by the state constitution and an army of lobbyists, ever be made to pay its fair share in Nevada?
DOTTY'S DUST-UP: With its usual feather-light touch, the Nevada Resort Association reminded the Clark County Commission on Tuesday that it's the 800-pound gorilla in every room. Dotty's "tavern" group was also well-armed with well-connected attorneys.
In the middle were local tavern owners who have been getting squeezed from above and below in this debate.
The county says it's structured a way to end the Dotty's slot-centric model in the future. And state gaming regulators seem satisfied. Is it really that simple?
EASTER SPIRIT: When an estimated 13,000 Southern Nevadans assemble at
10:30 a.m. on April 24 at the Thomas & Mack Center for what promises to be the largest Easter service in local history, those feeding their souls also will be helping to feed the hungry.
On that day, the Church at South Las Vegas and ThreeSquare Food Bank are joining forces with a goal of collecting a record 90,000 pounds of canned food. For more information, go to threesquare.org.
SO LONG, SULLY: Longtime Vegas casino denizens will recall the incredibly affable host Bill "Sully" Sullivan. He brought the best of Chicago to Las Vegas. Sullivan had the key to Rush Street and the Boulevard at one time. Amazing.
Marcel Taylor of Ruth's Chris and Jimmy Gerard and Bob Harry of Salvatore's loved the guy, but didn't everyone in the sporting crowd?
ON THE BOULEVARD: Local businessman Yale Cunningham is still stunned by the bargains he found at the recent estate sale at the home of the late casino mogul Bob Stupak. He bought a few designer sport coats. Knowing Stupak, he might have filled some of those pockets with casino chips or contraband. I still smile at the portraits on the wall of the Capital Grille at the Fashion Show. You can't go wrong with paintings of Liberace, Bugsy Siegel, Sarah Winnemucca and Helen Stewart.
BOULEVARD II: Save the date. It's April 29 at Rumor, Evening of Hope Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer benefit. Great cause. Go to the website: candlelightersnv.org. Donate. See the good it does. Two great Nevadans, Sara and Ralph Denton, will be honored today by the Boulder City Hospital Foundation, which they continue to support. They've been married 62 years. That alone deserves a tribute, don't you think?
Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.
