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ICYMI: A plague of weasels in Clark County, led by Boss Weasel Ross
A glimpse into why mining is so afraid of a tax getting before voters
One of the reasons mining's Carson City clout is so formidable is because the industry knows it must extinguish taxing efforts in that compliant universe lest the effort get before less-friendly voters. This is not some hypothetical; there is plenty of empirical evidence. Here's some:
Legislative lawyers: Not voting on initiative is the same as rejecting it
When the Legislature missed the 40-day deadline to act on the margins tax, they rejected it by inaction, according to the Legislative Counsel Bureau. Even though the Constitution uses the word "reject," and some lawyers believe a vote must be taken, the LCB disagrees, as state Sen. Michael Roberson has been saying. The opinion, attached here, essentially says: There is more than one way to reject an initiative.
County to constable: You owe us nearly 40 grand, so pay up or we'll sic the DA on you
Clark County officials have demanded that Constable John Bonaventura outline why he hired lawyers for more than $30,000 or be held personally liable for the expense. The letter, which I have obtained and attached here, essentially says Bonaventura may have broken the law, needs to pay up or the district attorney will be involved. I don't think the county has much respect for him. Just guessing.
Lee: Buck traveled while water rates skyrocketed
The North Las Vegas mayoral nastiness escalates, with the attached mail piece from John Lee constrasting Mayor Shari Buck's travel with a water rate increase. Brutal.
Lawyers say Harry Reid's son used majority leader as leverage to settle Henderson case
Constable sues Clark County commissioners, alleges proposed ordinance is unconstitutional
Constable John Bonaventura has sued the Clark County Commission, which is considering abolishing his office. In a Thursday filing (attached here), Bonaventura seeks to enjoin the county from acting on a proposed ordinance on Tuesday, accusing commisisoners of a "pattern of harrassment," including taking his funds without public notice. Judge Rob Bare has set a hearing for Monday.
Nevada's Neros fiddle while the margins tax burns, cause potential legal nightmare
On Friday morning, instead of taking a stand on the most important issue confronting the Legislature and one that could forever change the state, lawmakers listened to music and watched dancing. All that was missing: Legislators playing fiddles as the building burned. Yes, there are no heroes, only Neros in Carson City these days.
Lawmakers want high court to postpone hearing in Brooks case until after select committee meets
UPDATE: Looks as if the court will hear from lawmakers before that select committee meets, after all. Late today, AP reporter Sandra Chereb says, the court gave the Legislature only two more days. So March 20 it is. Accusing Steven Brooks' lawyer of shoddy legal practices and claiming legislative lawyers are too busy with drafting deadlines, lawmakers have asked the Supreme Court to delay a hearing on whether they had the authority to ban the troubled assemblyman.