Abuse of Political Power An Ongoing Saga

by Donald J. Cook

Avid readers of the Nevada Observer certainly weren't shocked to see the latest investigation of a political figure for alleged misconduct while in public office (State Controller, Kathy Augustine). Numerous stories and opinions have been expressed in past issues regarding the critical importance of Campaign Contribution and Expense Reports, State Ethics Commission filings, as well as the other required disclosure forms.

The old saying of follow the money could never be truer in its application to the political process. As noted before, all of these disclosure forms, reports and declarations are designed to allow the public a small glimpse into the hallowed halls of the political kingdom. Unfortunately, more often than not, the public displays a sense of apathy. Average citizens feel powerless to fight the business-as-usual attitude that seems to affect many of our career politicians.

Recent headlines of misuse of funds, staff time, and public resources are becoming all too common. As noted in prior articles, there is little active enforcement conducted for non-compliance with financial reporting statutes. Knowing this, a little bending of the law and risk taking becomes an easy stretch for those wishing to fortify their political castles.

If you don't get stopped for running the red light, why not just slow down a bit, look one way maybe, and go. If you get away with this over a period of time, it becomes second nature.

With relatively liberal laws for disposition of unspent political contributions and the ability to surround yourself with "at-will appointees" (AKA paid staffers), it is easy to maintain and lubricate the old political machine. Unused campaign funds are allowed for use in the performance of one's political duties. Need to go on a professional conference or two to Europe, Asia or the South Seas? Not a problem! Need the latest high-tech gadgetry to allow you to work at home or on the road? The answer is as close as the political checkbook!

The legal lines can get crossed very easily. In the case of the paid political staff member, that "at-will" employee will continue to have a job as long as he/she maintains a devoted loyalty and the "boss" continues to get elected. These individuals often times are expected to take a very active role in every phase of the reelection bid. Not a good practice when they are on the public payroll!

In capturing their 50+ percent of the vote (which usually equates to less than 10 percent of the actual population of the district) to gain rise to Political Power, many feel they have been given a mandate by the public to use whatever resources are available to go forth and fight for their personal/political agendas.

The citizens need to remember that they do have the power to keep this abuse in check. It is necessary to become active and do your homework, review some reports and public documents, ask some questions! As with any good watchdog, the real success comes in the ability to prevent the crime from occurring in the first place.

Reno / Washoe County Fight Over Cold Springs Continues

7,500 Acres To Be Filled With Homes

Question: Where's The Water?

by Johnny Gunn

In the July 1 issue of The Nevada Observer, I said that the Washoe County Commissioners were blindsided by the city of Reno in the movement to annex 7,500 acres of land near Cold Springs, 20 miles north of town. The move to annex was prompted by the owners of the land, not by the city. I was wrong on that point, but the initial question had been raised four years ago, and there had been no attempt to follow up on the request for annexation. That was the blindside. Commissioners had not been made aware of the renewed attempt, and residents of Cold Springs, an area of Washoe County, had not been informed either.

According to Reno spokesman Steve Frady, "The City does not have a policy of a continuing effort by the city to annex as much county land as possible." Frady was quoting my article. The area in question, to be annexed, must have a contiguous border with the city of Reno, and according to public record, because of some land designated as parkland, there is a 20-foot section that borders the city. Another example of a contiguous border is Canada's and ours.

In a further statement from Frady, if the annexation takes place, it will not include the current property in the Cold Springs area. The current residents are adamant in their desire to remain part of Washoe County, not the City of Reno. Frady says the 6,860 homes that could be built in the annexation would receive city services, not county. That means part of Cold Springs, well north of any existing city property, would be policed by Reno City Police, and part by Washoe County Sheriff units.

At a meeting in Reno City chambers on Monday, July 12, the city continued to maintain that current residents of Cold Springs do not have to fear being forced into an annexation, or become an island of Washoe County surrounded by City of Reno.

Included in the 7,500 acre development that Lifestyle Homes and ten other property owners wish to develop is a business park about 13.5 million square feet in size. Current Washoe County planning would not allow that.

Under the County Planning rules, there can be one home on each 40 acres in the Cold Springs area. If Reno annexes the property, the Reno Planning rules call for as many as three homes per acre. A well on the property would probably suffice for one home on 40 acres. Spanish Springs, a subdivision north of Sparks has proven that wells and septic systems aren't the answer for high-density subdivisions.

In all of the discussions, in all the plans that have been offered, there is total agreement that there is not enough water to provide for that number of homes and businesses. The answer apparently is, "import whatever we need." Owens Valley revisited. Honey Lake revisited. Las Vegas is working to import water from White Pine County and Nye County, Carson City has placed its residents on extreme water saving methods, there are current water use restrictions in Reno and Sparks, and simply stated, there isn't enough water now. Importing water isn't the answer. Slowing the growth is.

At some point, considering the fact that Lake Tahoe is dangerously low, the reservoirs feeding western Nevada are dangerously low, we haven't had a decent water producing winter in years; at some point, somebody is going to have to say no. Reno welcomes property owners wishing to annex vacant ranch lands and turn them into tax producing subdivisions, while many property owners who don't ranch their property anymore seem willing to sell their water rights to whomever happens to bring cash to the talks.

Nevada is "high mountain desert." Desert generally reflects an area that is dry. Reno barely receives 7.5 inches of precipitation on an average year. If you want to be counted out in a political race, become the candidate preaching for effective control of a skyrocketing population and building of subdivisions. You'll be mocked and derision will flow, but many, not currently in office, will love you dearly.

The next Reno/Washoe County meeting scheduled to discuss Cold Springs will take place July 21, and it is possible that a final decision on the matter will be held during an August 18 Reno City Council session.

In the meantime, in southern Nevada, an area of 10,750 acres is being discussed as a subdivision for some 50,000 homes, in Lincoln County, just up the road apiece from Las Vegas. Harvey Whittemore wants the land and his old friend, Nevada Senator Harry Reid is working to help him get it.

In a copyrighted article in the Los Angeles Times, it was reported that Senator Reid introduced legislation that will allow Whittemore to purchase the land, without the problems of interfering intercontinental power lines, for a measly $160,000. Whittemore, a long-time Nevada lobbyist, is a partner in the law firm of Lionel Sawyer & Collins, the same firm that employs two of Reid's sons.

Along with the 50,000 homes discussed above, there are plans for ten championship golf courses on the land.

At this time, The Las Vegas Water Authority is in a bid to take Lincoln County water.

According to the Times report, a Reid representative said Whittemore's relationships with Reid and his sons had no bearing on the senator's support for right-of-way provisions that will open the land for sale.

A subdivision for 50,000 homes in Lincoln County? Ten Championship Golf Courses in Lincoln County? The powers that be at the Pioche court house must be dancing with glee on the one hand, and those in White Pine County, yes the same county Clark is looking toward to steal water, must wonder what it all means.

Let's go home, Toto.