Thoughts on Nevada Economic Crisis

The Silver State is in the mist of an economic crisis, much of which, for a variety of reasons, is self-inflicted. What further compounds the pain of this situation – it’s an election year.

Consequently, this is now a time when any hope of consensus or compromise is only a faint glimmer at best. Too often civic and government leaders address the issues and recommendation proposals from political-centric points of view, and not with the realism of individuals and families who must pinch pennies to survive. This self-centered approach to decision-making further depreciates the effectiveness for viable solutions by not addressing the needs for tomorrow. So, not only must we look at the impact of immediate fixes, but also formulate the look of our future.

So, what is the road to economic recovery? What its not is the usual political diatribe that insults the intelligence of people in need of hope and direction for a brighter future. This is a time for all – yes, all – options to be placed on the public table for transparent decision-making. Unfortunately, this can only be done when elected officials remember their role is “for the people” and NOT “for the party.”

First and foremost, the paradigm of casinos as the cash cow must be broken. Although the casino footprint continues to grow on the Las Vegas Strip, what is their qualifying contribution to the long-term health of Nevada? 2009 saw the statewide loss of approximately 25,000 employees and a 13-percent drop in revenue. Yes, they do provide a gainful source of employment for many, but they also serve as the chief contributor to Nevada’s transient population. So we have to ask ourselves – how does this contribute long-term to a stable tax base?

Here are some other “DOs” and “DON’Ts” to be considered as a common sense approach to our economic survival and recovery way ahead.

Education is an investment in our future. We must look beyond the current crisis to create solutions for tomorrow. Placing significant financial cuts on the education system is nothing more than using a band-aid to mediate a sucking chest wound. We should be aggressively looking for ways to create and enable our potential both as a state and the future generations. Furthermore, we are missing the boat in attracting corporations who invest in their people as well as their organizational growth.

We must attract a quality workforce to our state agencies. The focus must be on attracting a workforce competitive with private sector corporations, then holding them accountable for keeping state on the cutting edge of best practices and adding to the potential coffers. Yes, maybe we do pay state employees at a higher level than other states, but then we should be demanding performance levels that equate to their paychecks.

State facility management and inventory is out of control. A couple of years ago, based on the governor’s call to stand up a Project Challenge program for disadvantaged youth, efforts were made to house the program in an existing state owned building. Unfortunately, the state property managers were not fully aware of what they had available and those provided as options, upon inspection, were found to be well beyond acceptable levels for human occupancy. So, the question becomes – why are taxpayers paying to hold condemnable buildings and facilities? And we must not forget the recent newspaper reports these same managers of state resources had no idea the extent of building and office leases the state is paying for.

Concur with Steven Horsford to put Nevada money in Nevada banks. The state should take a “Nevada First” attitude in dealing with our resources as well as business practices. You would think this just makes good sense – nuff said.

Don’t close Nevada’s state parks – you put the burden on county governments. One of the key icons for the Silver State is the natural beauty that is Nevada. Furthermore, if anything, this is the legacy we leave for future generations. So why allow the natural wonders that define who we are to be victimized by this self-imposed crisis?

Wake up, Nevada. Until we can tackle this economic situation with a no nonsense, realistic approach we are destined to change ourselves from the land of open skies and free spirits to the destitute land of stagnant futures.