The State of the State: A pile of straw that can’t be shrugged off
It has become positively de rigueur for politicians speaking in situ to salt their audiences with living, breathing examples of their topic, even if they have to stretch the point a bit to work them in.
The State of the State speech from Gov. Brian Sandoval was no exception. He had the obligatory soldiers, an honored state trooper and an honored but recently canned educator in his audience in the Capitol to single out for a few rounds of applause.
But his best example of what is wrong with this economy and the state of the business community in Nevada, and the one for whom he had the fewest answers, “appeared” in the form of a letter. On page 8 of the transcript of his speech, the governor quoted from a woman who works in a small dental practice in Las Vegas. He said that, for the first time in 20 years, the practice lost money.
“The assault on our practice finances comes form everywhere — insurance companies, the State, the federal government, OSHA regulations, EPA regulations, payroll taxes and the cost of dental products and supplies,” Sandoval quoted.
She begged for help. Otherwise, the governor quoted, “… a lot of small businesses … will decide that it isn’t worth it to sacrifice the time and effort they do now …”
To which Sandoval replied, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is worth it. I want that dental practice and other Nevada businesses, as well as their employees and families, to succeed. That is exactly what I’m fighting for.”
I think all the woman was asking of the governor was to not lay the last straw on her back, you know, the one that breaks the camel’s back.
During the Democratic response I heard a plaintive undertone, something like a plea for a “modern government,” a 21st century government that does things for its citizens, an active government.
When I listened more closely I overheard a distant conversation:
“’Why are they all running to Colorado?’ he asked. ‘What have they got down there that we haven’t got?’
“The young man grinned. ‘Maybe it’s something you’ve got that they haven’t got.’
“’What?’ The young man did not answer. ‘I don’t see it. It’s a backward, primitive, unenlightened place. They don’t even have a modern government. It’s the worst government in any state. The laziest. It does nothing — outside of keeping law courts and a police department. It doesn’t do anything for the people. It doesn’t help anybody. I don’t see why all our best companies want to run there.’
“The young man glanced down at him, but did not answer.”
I shook myself from my reverie and shrugged, consigned myself to fact that when the Legislature meets next month everyone will be clamoring to create a thoroughly modern and progressive government for Nevada.
And I hoped that woman did not work for my dentist.
