by Johnny Gunn

Click here to access Attorney General Brian Sandoval's complete election filings.

During our investigation of Contribution and Expense (C&E) reports for our feature article in this issue, it was felt that one of the best ways to explain how the reports are supposed to work would be to use one for an example. The one we picked, and for the best reason possible, was that of Attorney General Brian Sandoval. After all, we said to ourselves, it would be the one report we could use to say "here is the way it should be done." It was our thinking that the report filed by the state's top law enforcement figure would be as error free as possible.

We took the information available from the Secretary of State, created a database, and then called up the information by way of the "Contributor" column. What we found were many discrepancies. Discrepancies that on the surface gave the impression that whoever filled out the reports simply didn't give a damn whether or not the letter of the law was followed, and when we brought the problem to the attention of the Attorney General's public information officer, he suggested that it was our data base program that was at fault.

As our investigation continued, and we found more and more serious discrepancies, General Sandoval began his own probe into his own finance reports. Here is a letter the Observer received on the morning of March 13 from the AG's PIO Tom Sargent.

Johnny,

We owe you thanks for bringing to our attention what are in fact a number of duplications on the reports. I've spoken to Chrissie Hastie (ed. note: Ms Hastie handled General Sandoval's campaign finances during the last election period), who is doing a complete reconciliation of them. If you look at the dates of the transactions in question, you'll see that some are within a day or two of one another. Due to a change in accounts management following the submission of the "Excess of $10,000" report filed Jan 15, 2002, those transactions are duplications. Everything in fact reconciles to the bank, but the reports are in error, and Chrissie's reconciliation will allow us to promptly file amended and corrected ones.

Again, Johnny, thanks to you, we'll have the reports reflect reality. While we are in fact doing a complete reconciliation, if you wouldn't mind sending me a complete list of anomalies on your end, I'd appreciate it. By the way, we have records of returning mere pennies in order to avoid going over limits. Brian, Chrissie, and myself--and the books--are available to you, and I look forward to helping you with your series feature... which, I think, may indeed have an even more interesting angle to it!

Tom

The information that follows can be found on the Secretary of State's web page as are all C&E reports for elected state officials and from unsuccessful candidates as well. There is information from more than one report in this article, but from only one election period. Because we feel this is so important, we ask you to take a look for yourself at the pages we have used for this article.

It's important to remember also; the Secretary of State is not an audit facility. Dean Heller was explicit in telling the Observer, "I don't have audit authority. I can't instigate an investigation. In order for an investigation to be started, this office must receive a written complaint." Heller said a complaint can't be phoned in, told to a clerk, but written on forms available from the SOS office.

According to Nevada Revised Statutes, it is a felony for a candidate to receive more that $10,000 from an individual, company, or corporation during a political cycle. It is also a felony for an individual, company, or corporation to give more than $10,000. You can read all about that in our feature article in this edition of the Observer. (Click Here)

Thomas Breitling Contributions

From Report Period #1, Page 14 of 165, we found two contributions listed, one following the other from Thomas Breitling, a resident of Las Vegas. The first was entered as being given on April 8, 2002, for the amount of $300. The second, offered on June 21, 2002, is for the amount of $10,000. This may not be an accounting error. (Click Here)

American Pacific Corporation

In the Excess of $10,000 report, Page 13 of 31, a $5,000 contribution on 12-7-01. (Click Here)

In the Report Period #1, Page 36 or 166, a contribution of $5,000 on 12-11-01. (Click Here)

In the Report Period #2, Page 15 or 61, a $5,000 contribution on 10-9-02. (Click Here)

Barrick Gold Strike

In the Excess of $10,000 form, a $2,500 contribution was made on 12-17-01. (Click Here)

In the Report Period #1, Page 14 of 166, a contribution of $2,500 on 11-21-01. A contribution of $2,500 on 12-18-01. A contribution of $2,500 on 8-20-02. (Click Here)

There was also a $2,500 contribution made on 11-20-01 reported. (Click Here)

Boyd Gaming

In the Excess of $10,000 report, Page 11 of 31, a $5,000 contribution on 10-22-01. (Click Here)

In the Report Period #1, Page 1 of 166 a contribution of $585.22 on April 10, 2002. (Click Here)

In the Report Period #1, Page 13 of 166 a contribution of $5,000 on 10-23-01. (Click Here)

Champion Chevrolet

In the Excess of $10,000 report, Page 14 of 37, $5,000 on 10-22-01. (Click Here)

In the Report Period #1, Page 5 of 166, $199.75 on 11-14-01. (Click Here)

In the Report Period #1, Page 77 of 166, $5,000 on 10-23-01. In the Report Period #1, Page 77 of 166, $500.00 on 7-22-02. (Click Here)

And on 9-4-02, a contribution of $1,000. (Click Here)

It seems likely that several of these anomalies may be accounting errors because of the change in accounting programs cited by Sargent, on the part of Attorney General Sandoval's finance team, while others, such as the contributions by Thomas Breitling, and possibly Champion Chevrolet may just be sloppy financial accounting.

How we came to this? The C&E reports are offered as the candidates file them. Not in any particular order, so we took General Sandoval's report and put it in a database, then called up by contributor. That was when we found these discrepancies.

As Sargent says in his letter, there are what appear to be valid reasons for these discrepancies, but one can't find those kinds of answers from the reports, and it may be as General Sandoval's own investigation continues, that he might find himself having to return some money.

That was the whole purpose of our investigation in the first place. Based on this very small investigation, it is the opinion of this writer that Nevada needs to make some serious changes in its campaign reporting and finance laws. If we can find major discrepancies on just one politician's campaign finance forms, what do the rest of the C&E reports look like?

For more on this subject, please click to the Opinion Page of this issue.

AG's Opinion Might Be A Start. More To Come?

by Johnny Gunn

It was a long time coming, and for many, it still doesn't answer very many questions or give much guidance.  Attorney General Brian Sandoval released his opinion on whether or not public employees can serve in the legislature, but he restricted that opinion to only state employees, which opens hundreds of questions dealing with school districts, city and county governments, and courts.

There have been two immediate reactions to the Sandoval opinion.  Community College professor Ray Rawson has retired from the University System and Henderson Assistant Police Chief Richard Perkins has said he will retire at the end of this year, or just after the start of 2005.

When he released the opinion, Sandoval said he anticipated court action, and the courts might fill in the gaps in his work.  Sandoval said he expects to also issue an opinion on whether employees of local governments can serve as well.

Following the 2003 legislative session, it became known that several legislators from both parties, had been double dipping, that is, getting paid by and receiving benefits from the government agency they worked for, and receiving legislative pay and benefits.  An investigation of Assemblyman Wendell Williams (D-LV) was at the heart of the issue, and questions followed dealing with whether government employees, essentially part of the executive branch of government, can also serve in the legislative branch.  Sandoval's opinion, to a degree, says, "No you can't," but only for state employees.

Williams was a city employee who has since been fired from his city position.  He says he is a candidate for reelection.

The Attorney General's opinion directly affects six members of the Nevada legislature, and one has already quit his government position in order to pursue reelection.  Senator Ray Rawson (R-LV) has been working as an instructor at the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN), receiving $187,897 annually for his work.

Rawson is in a Republican Primary battle to retain his seat.  He is being challenged by Assemblyman Bob Beers (R-LV).  He has said that he plans to return to teaching should he be defeated in his reelection bid, or would open a private dental practice should he win.

Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins (D-Henderson) has made public his plans to retire as Assistant Police Chief in Henderson, probably sometime after the first of the year.  Perkins has been challenged by provisions of the federal Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees, or persons responsible for overseeing the spending of federal funds, from serving in public office.

As Assistant Chief, Perkins has been called on to serve as Chief in the absence of the regular Police Chief, thus putting him in a position of overseeing the spending of federal funds for use by the Henderson Police Department.

The Office of Special Counsel, the federal watchdog of the Hatch Act has determined that Perkins is covered by that act, and would be in willful violation of the law if he files again for office.  Perkins is waiting for a final decision on the one hand, but has already said he will retire from the police department.

Perkins was criticized during the 2003 legislative session for receiving full pay from the city of Henderson and collecting benefits, as well as receiving his legislative pay and benefits.  At the time, he said it was the city's decision.

The Sandoval opinion, interestingly, doesn't cover Perkins.  The Speaker said he plans on being in the Assembly for the 2005 session and he wants to work to bring harmony and ethics back to the legislative halls.

The other members of the legislature directly affected by Sandoval's ruling are:

 •  Senator Dina Titus (D-LV) who teaches at UNLV

•  Assemblyman Mark Manendo (D-LV), a professor at CCSN

•  Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, (D-LV), also associated with CCSN

•  Assemblyman Jason Geddes (R-Reno), an employee at UNR

•  Assemblyman Ron Knecht (R-Carson City) employed by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

Each of those affected, excepting Senator Rawson, and Assembly Speaker Perkins has said they intend to keep their government positions and seek reelection.  All have indicated they will wait for a court opinion before making their individual decisions.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio (R-Reno) questions why the opinion is limited to state government employees.  He says, "The State funds local education as well as higher education.  Why aren't local school district employees affected?"

Assemblyman John Oceguera (D-LV) is a North Las Vegas Firefighter and isn't affected.  He apparently doesn't have control of any federal funding that might be used by the department, and isn't covered by the Hatch Act.  Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie (D-Reno) works for the Washoe County District Court System and isn't affected.  Assemblyman Bernie Anderson (D-Reno) is a Washoe County schoolteacher whose job is not on the line.

There is currently a petition being circulated to prohibit any government employee from serving in the legislature.  The chairman of Nevada Republican Liberty Caucus, George Harris is one of the people behind the drive.  Harris has been quoted as saying he would like these questions answered by the courts and is researching whether or not he can file complaints.

Some have said they believe private citizens or groups may file a complaint based on previous AG opinions, while others disagree.  The court will have to make the decision whether to accept a complaint first.

Sandoval believes only the legislators directly affected by his opinion will be able to bring a court case, but that is disputed by some.  Harris needs 51,000 signatures from registered voters to get his petition on the November ballot.  If that happens, and voters approve the question in 2004, it would be on the ballot again in 2006 before becoming law.

Local governments in the state have not been faced with these questions before and some have responded by saying their employees can not serve in the state legislature, while others are waiting for the courts to come up with answers. 

In northern Nevada, Washoe County has no provision to prohibit their employees from serving.  The city of Reno also has no ruling prohibiting the service.  Las Vegas is in the process of creating provisions that will not allow someone to serve, and Clark County is expected to follow the Las Vegas lead.

The question of whether a public employee should be allowed to serve in the legislature was brought by Secretary of State Dean Heller (R).  Heller says the opinion, until validated by the courts, isn't binding, and he will permit those legislators affected by the ruling to file for reelection.

State political party conventions are scheduled during April and early May, candidate filing is during the first two weeks of May, and Nevada's primary election is scheduled for September 7.  Can any of these questions be answered during this time period?  Most say no.

The main argument against public employees serving in a law making capacity has as much to do with budgets and working conditions as it does with laws themselves.  Do public employees serve their own agencies before serving the general public?  Do public employees benefit themselves when they vote on agency budgets that in turn offer them wage increases?  Does agency policy, when decreed by the legislature, directly affect the lives of the legislators that work for the affected agency?

In Washoe County, schoolteachers and court employees serve in the legislature and are not affected by the Attorney General's opinion.  Should they be?  No Reno City employee has been elected for at least the last couple of decades according to city PIO Steve Frady.  Washoe County PIO Mike Wolterbeek says there is no provision against a county employee serving.

One question brought to our attention here at the Observer: Assuming a person becomes a state employee after being elected to the legislature, would the opinion then keep that person from serving?  Or filing for reelection?

Sandoval has been very forthcoming in his discussions of this opinion and what led him to it.  From the beginning he has said he expects final answers will have to come from court decisions.  "We're in uncharted waters here in terms of Nevada jurisprudence," he says.

Police Tactics Questioned At The Highest Level

The U.S. Supreme Court is visiting Winnemucca, at least on paper, following a questionable police stop in that northeastern community four years ago. On May 21, 2000, Larry Hiibel was stopped by a Humboldt County deputy, and because of that stop, many police tactics in Nevada may come to a screeching halt.

Hiibel, a rancher in Fallon who likes to be called Dudley, asserts that Deputy Lee Dove stopped him and demanded to "see my papers." Hiibel said, "I was there on that road minding my own business, and he just started pushing." The deputy has said he was investigating a report of a domestic disturbance between Hiibel and his daughter, Mimi.

Hiibel and Mimi were on the side of the road arguing, Hiibel says when the deputy arrived. At heart in the matter are two constitutional questions. The Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The state says Hiibel didn't allow for the state's right to conduct a criminal investigation based on reasonable suspicion.

Hiibel's basic argument is that the deputy "immediately aske me for my papers," rather than investigating the alleged domestic disturbance. Hiibel refused to show the deputy his identification. The question of Miranda rights is also expected to be discussed before the high court.

His hearing is expected to take place on March 22. It could be that police will have to change the way they do business if the court goes along with Hiibel's arguments. His only complaint is the fact the deputy never said anything to him other than, show me your identification. He didn't. He went to jail and was fined $250.

"In America," he says, "people have the right to remain silent."

•••

Reno Police Find Themselves With Federal Indictment As Well

A U.S. District Court lawsuit was filed March First, claiming Reno police had no probable cause to raid a barber shop recently. Long time barber Ruby Jean May was giving Kelvin Davis a shave when the cops burst into her shop, she says, taking her to the floor and putting cuffs on her, all the time pointing their massive weapons at her head.

May has been cutting hair at that location for about 40 years. According to May's attorney, Terri Keyser-Cooper, the police were trying to round up some drug dealers in near by Pat Baker Park. "The police are not free to burst into a building because there's criminal activity in another building."

Police found no suspects hiding in barber chairs. Assistant Reno police chief Jim Weston has been quoted as saying "It's unfortunate when anybody who is not a criminal has to be handcuffed and sorted out from who the criminals are, but it is difficult to do it any other way."

Waiting for a haircut that day was Reno businessman Robert Spears. May is 60-years-old and says the police went over the line making her get on the floor then handcuffing her. "I was frightened to death. They had that big gun out on me with the red dot." Spears, Davis, and May were all ordered to the floor, handcuffed, and held under threat of being shot.

May is African American, has been honored by the city of Reno in the past, including getting a proclamation from a previous mayor, but Keyser-Cooper says, "this would not have been done in a white neighborhood."

May is suing for lost business income and other damages. The date for a hearing has not been made available at this time.

The Hunt Is On For Ascendancy

The race for governor, still more than two years away, is already getting hot with the announcement on March 10 by Lieutenant Governor Lorraine Hunt. Hunt says she feels herself a viable candidate, partly because of her two terms as second in command, partly because of her business background, and partly from her time serving as a Clark County Commissioner.

There have been rumblings from several other potential candidates, including fellow republican Nevada Congressman Jim Gibbons. Democrats who have suggested they will be in the running include Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, and Henderson Mayor Jim Gibbons.

Hunt said she isn't intimidated by the big names throwing their hats into the ring to replace Governor Kenny Guinn. When Guinn ran for the first time, several columnists around the state, including political pundit Jon Ralston, called him "The Anointed One." Even though the gubernatorial election is well off and over the horizon, there doesn't appear to be an anointed one this time around. The money boys haven't made their decisions yet, either.

Hunt is quoted as saying she expects a Wild West showdown even in the primary, and will begin fund raising activities later this summer.

As Lt. Governor, she sits as chair of Nevada's economic development commission, sits on the state transportation board, and serves as president pro tem of the state Senate. She anticipates Nevada economics to be a big factor in the election, and says she believes she can carry the north, look good in the south, and be strong in rural Nevada.

•••

No Mary Jane Money For Jon Porter Campaign

Nevada Republican Congressman Jon Porter turned down a $1,000 campaign contribution recently, saying he doesn't support the political views of The Marijuana Policy Project. The organization is in the process of circulating a petition to get the question of legalization of pot on the November ballot. The project was soundly defeated two years ago.

In congress, Porter supported a bill to legalize medical use of Marijuana, but said he did so because he feels the issue is a states rights issue, not because he supports the use of the illegal drug.

The petition drive by the Marijuana Policy Project is headed by Steve Fox.

***

DeVoe, A Democrat, Enters Race Against Porter

Democrat Rick DeVoe has entered the race for Jon Porter's congressional seat saying Porter is just a mouthpiece for President George W. Bush. DeVoe is the first democrat to signal intent to run against the first term republican. He is a construction worker who lives in Las Vegas.

Porter doesn't deny supporting the policies of the Bush administration, saying he is proud of what the president has accomplished during his term.

Although nothing has been decided, it is possible these two may engage in some public debates as the campaign rolls along. Porter has raised over $1 million so far, and is continuing his search for campaign funds.

Besides Porter and DeVoe, casino executive Tom Gallagher has indicates some desire to get in the race.

•••

Secretary of State Dean Heller Supports Sequoia Voting Machines. Again.

by Johnny Gunn

At odds with the county clerk in Carson City, and apparently with a contingent of congressmen, Secretary of State Dean Heller has taken a public tack in dealing with the twin problems. Carson City County Clerk Alan Glover has been on record as being opposed to paper or verifiable receipts from the new touch screen voting systems that Heller has mandated for the state. Heller says the machines, built by Sequoia Voting Machines must be in place with the verifiable receipts attachment before the September Primary election, just six months away.

Glover insists the extra feature of the paper receipt is cumbersome and problematic, and not necessary. Heller says that at every public hearing he attended prior to making his decision to go with the Sequoia touch screen machines, the main concern, besides the safety of the ballot, was a means of proving that what was selected actually was the vote, that is, a verifiable paper trail.

According to Steve George, Heller's representative, the verifiable attachment feature has not been certified by the federal government, and probably won't be for more than a year, well past the next election. According to George, the state board of examiners has given the go ahead to purchase the machines, with the verifiable paper trail attachment.

"The state has been given the authority to certify the attachment," George says. "The feds don't have to give their blessing as to who certifies the machines, and Dean Heller (Secretary of State) has the authority to accept certification." George went on to say, if the attachments aren't certified, the contract will be voided. He doesn't expect that to happen.

There slightly less than six months before the primary elections, and George says the touch screen voting machines with the verifiable attachments, will be in place statewide well before the election. Each county registrar of voters or clerk must take the responsibility of seeing to it the electorate has time to become familiar with the new touch screen voting process.

•••

Heller Also Working To Get More Voters To The Polls

Figures made available recently indicate that young people in Nevada simply don't register or vote, and there are programs underway to change that. It's been estimated that of the various ages of potential voters, those 60 to 80 are far more likely to vote than those 18-30. The Secretary of State has joined a campaign that is going to target the young people, get them to register, get them to vote.

New Voters Project is described as a nonpartisan campaign designed to have a presence on college and university campuses with the intent of registering young people to vote. Heller say, "Young adults historically have the lowest percentage of voter turnout, often because they feel their voice is not heard, their vote meaningless."

He goes on to say, "That's why many politicians ignore the voice of the young people." To complain about not being heard, then not voting gives politicians the idea the complaints are just empty talk. "The New Voters Project can serve as a vehicle to drive more young people to the voting booth," according to Heller.

Katie Selenski is the Nevada director for New Voters Project, and says, "We will prove to young people that their votes do count, and that they can emerge as a powerful voting bloc if they participate in the process." Selenski goes on to say, "They will see that their participation is vital to the continued strength of our democracy."

According to figures released by the Secretary of State, just 31 percent of those 18-24 took part in the last presidential election.

•••

On Education Issues, Nevada Continues To Rank Low

Another study has been released placing Nevada Educational Institutions at the lower end of the slagheap. This latest survey is called the Civil Rights Project Study issued by Harvard University, and indicates that Nevada ranks 49th in national comparison of minority graduation rates. According to the study, only about 40 percent of Hispanic and black high school students graduated from high school, while about 60 percent of white students graduated, and 70 percent of Asian students completed their graduation.

These are statewide figures based on information provided to the study by the state for the 2002 school year.

•••

Changes To The Millennium Scholarship Program

Created to give Nevada students an extra boost in their quest for a higher education, there is now a question of whether Nevada students who are not citizens of the country should be eligible. Saying this is not a political question, liberal or conservative in its approach, Senator Bill Raggio (R-Reno) says the question needs to be answered during a June meeting of the Interim Education Committee.

The $10,000 state funded scholarships are a motivational kick in pants to many high schoolers, and some are worried that motivation might be curtailed if the program is pulled back. The questions have been raised because of various law suits and public debate dealing with whether certain programs should be offered to non citizens.

It was pointed out there is a difference between an illegal alien and an alien in the country legally, and that is what has prompted the current questions. The scholarships are not tax funded but rather the money comes from Nevada's portion of what's called "the tobacco company settlement."

There are also some who are attempting to promote the idea that even illegal aliens should be beneficiaries of the scholarships, pointing out it's the parents who are responsible for the children being here in the first place.

The fund could very well be dried up by 2006, and lawmakers have increased the grade requirements for a student to be eligible. At this time more than 15,000 students are recipients of Millennium Scholarships, and the fund has paid out more than $11 million. Currently the fund has about $2.2 million, and should receive another $15 million during the month of April.

The debate over what aliens legal or otherwise, are eligible for compared to what citizens should be eligible for will continue for decades, probably.

Gaming Licenses in Jeopardy

Major Complaints Filed By Gaming Board Against Seeno Family

The Nevada State Gaming Control Board has filed a massive complaint against Albert D. Seeno, Jr., and his two sons. Properties the Seeno family is associated with include the Peppermill casinos in Reno and Wendover, Western Village in Sparks, Rainbow Club and Casino in Henderson, and one other casino in Wendover.

The 28-count complaint charges the Seeno family with associating with known felons, and with members of the Hell's Angels. Seeno, Jr. is licensed through a trust. The family also has construction companies in California through which they have been charged, found guilty, and fined for ecological violations. The fines have totaled well over $1 million.

The family has until March 31 to file an answer to the charges.

The Buzz Around the Silver State

Compiled by our Correspondents

From The Capital

(Carson City) --- Sierra Pacific Resources, the parent company of Sierra Pacific Power Company and Nevada Power Company, announced year end losses of $140.5 million. That amounts to a loss of about $1.21 per share, but compares favorably with losses of over $300 million last year. Company officials say growth has provided the increases.

Nevada Power has a hearing scheduled before the Public Service Commission on March 29 on the general rate case deadline. Another deferred energy case deadline for Nevada Power is scheduled for May 12.

SPPCo's general rate case deadline is May 29. For more information on any of the cases, see www.puc.state.nv.us/.

At about the same time the power giant announced the fiscal year losses, they announced general pay increases and bonuses totaling millions of dollars for their highest level executives.

•••

(Carson City) --- A railroad bridge that's being dismantled in southern Nevada will be trucked to Mound House, just east of the capital city, and will span U.S. Highway 50 for use by the Virginia and Truckee Railroad when that tourist attraction is completed.

The railroad was built during the heyday of the Comstock period, and was used to haul ore, freight, and passengers to and from Virginia City. The rail line ran from its connection with the Central Pacific in Reno, to Carson City, and south to Minden and Gardnerville, as well as the main line to Virginia City.

Efforts to rebuild the rail line have been ongoing for several years, and several million dollars have been raised for the project. Supporters of the project say they still need more millions, and fund raising projects are constantly being planned.

The bridge in question is known as the Boulder Branch Bridge, and will facilitate the V&T's crossing of busy Highway 50 at Mound House. The original Mound House facility allowed for the narrow gauge Carson and Colorado Railroad to move freight to and from the standard gauge V&T.

Currently, the rail line extends about two miles from Virginia City to Gold Hill, and is expected to be built the rest of the way to the eastern fringes of Carson City on the original road bed, built in 1870. From Mound House, the line will travel through the Carson River Canyon to Empire, just east of the capital.

Clark County

(Senate District Six) --- A roll-around in the mud and the blood and beer(s) could happen in the Republican Primary race for Senate District Six. The seat is currently held by Ray Rawson and he's being challenged by Assemblyman Bob Beers. Rawson has been criticized for holding his teaching position at Community College of Southern Nevada while representing the district during the 2003 legislative session. Rawson just resigned his teaching position. (See related article, this edition)

Beers was one of the republican leaders during the 2003 session that demanded the state follow the constitution on the two thirds majority for new taxes, and was an opponent of Governor Kenny Guinn's $830 million tax increase.

Both men are calling the contest a neighborhood race, but interests well outside the district are stirring the pot, adding money to the races, and campaigning hard. Rawson is getting support from teacher's groups that are also supporting a petition drive to make education funding the first item to be discussed at budget hearings.

Beers is being supported by business groups that were opposed to the Guinn tax package and supported Beers's efforts in the republican effort to stop it.

Because of redistricting, Rawson actually is campaigning on fresh turf, finding himself having to introduce himself to his own constituents. In District Six, there are 51,021 registered voters at this time with 22,916 republicans and 19,609 democrats. The winner of the Republican Primary will meet Todd Allen the only democrat who has announced, so far.

Washoe County

(Reno) --- An agreement with the City of Sparks and The Nature Conservancy for restoration of the lower Truckee River was approved by the Reno City Council March 10.

The agreement calls for Reno and Sparks to share $767,000 this fiscal year toward the $8 million Truckee River restoration project. As a partner with the City of Sparks in the Reno-Sparks Water Reclamation Facility, Reno will pay about 68 percent of the agreement, amounting to $526,636.

In addition to municipal funds, the project will also be supported by $500,000 in Nevada Question 1 funds and up to $5 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Other financial sponsors include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Regional Water Planning Commission.

Approximately two-thirds of the total project costs will be paid through federal grants and contracts.

•••

(Reno) --- The City of Reno has been honored by the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials of the National League of Cities for its innovative 4 Steps Into The Future Program that promotes student understanding and knowledge of City government.

The City Cultural Diversity Award was presented to City Manager Charles McNeely at the "Celebrate Diversity" breakfast March 7 at the National League of Cities conference held in Washington, D.C.

It was also announced that Reno would host the 2010 National Association of Counties annual convention. The city will also host the 2006 National League of Cities convention. According to RSCVA president Jeff Beckelman, that convention could create a need for about 16,000 room nights, and would bring in national press.