I’m confident that anyone who tried to predict where they’d be at the end of 2020 was wrong. No one could have anticipated the realities of last year. Trying to plan for the future, either professionally or personally, has been challenging for many because we simply don’t know what’s just around the corner. We started the year with an air strike on Iranian army general Qasem … [Read more...] about Hot Market
Commentary
It’s time to ChooseThe Economy Versus COVID-19
Over the last eight months, COVID-19 has been brought into sharp focus for most of us. I know people that have caught the virus and have seen the effect it has on them. It’s certainly not something anyone should be taking lightly. The advice on how to protect yourself and others is solid: social distance, mask up, isolate if you’re high risk and avoid people that are sick. It’s … [Read more...] about It’s time to Choose
A Win for TaxpayersDistrict Court Upholds Nevada Constitution
You may recall, during Nevada’s Legislative Session last year, two bills were passed that extended taxes that were scheduled to sunset. What makes these two bills unique is that they both were unlawfully passed. The Nevada Constitution requires a two-third supermajority of both houses to pass any tax increase. While Democrats had a supermajority in the Assembly, they were one … [Read more...] about A Win for Taxpayers
Sisolak’s AgendaPartisan Politics at its Worst
Unfortunately, by now, I think we’ve all grown accustomed to partisan politics and amoral politicians using social issues to further their own political agenda. At no time has this practice been more prevalent, or more blatant, than in 2020. With a presidential election looming next month, it’s never been clearer that, when it comes to winning, many politicians will do whatever … [Read more...] about Sisolak’s Agenda
“Special Taxes”ls Your Business Next?
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.Martin Niemoller, a German theologian … [Read more...] about “Special Taxes”
Nothing Special HereNevada’s Special Legislative Session
“Whereas, Section 9 of Article V of the Constitution of the State of Nevada provides that, ‘[T]he Governor may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the Legislature by Proclamation and shall state to both houses, when organized, the business for which they have been specially convened;’ … Now therefore, I, Steve Sisolak, Governor of the State of Nevada … do hereby convene the … [Read more...] about Nothing Special Here
Loss of Common SenseA State Controlled with Rights Infringed
Nicknamed “Battle Born”, we Nevadans are an independent bunch and have a history of wanting to run our own lives. We don’t want government control, nor do we need it. Nevertheless, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend recently with more and more government infringing on basic rights they have no business being involved in. The recent coronavirus pandemic is just the latest excuse … [Read more...] about Loss of Common Sense
The Erosion of Freedom
“They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety” Benjamin Franklin Our founding fathers would be stunned if they could see how far our nation has drifted from its original charter. While many of the changes have seeped into our lives over a period of years, the pandemic has caused an escalation in government … [Read more...] about The Erosion of Freedom
A Shout Out to the Helpers
When the Governor announced the shutdown of businesses throughout Nevada in mid-March, it seems many among us were in a state of shock. As the new reality started to sink in and people developed new routines, an unexpected camaraderie started to take place. The “we’re all in this together” mantra was embraced as people reached out to each other to help however they could. I … [Read more...] about A Shout Out to the Helpers
Nevada Governor Fails to LeadLessons Learned from a Pandemic
First of all, I recognize it’s much easier to be an armchair quarterback than to be the one calling the shots. Our leaders, from all levels of government, have had to make unprecedented decisions in the wake of COVID-19. In many cases, their decisions have been a matter of life and death and extremely difficult to make. There’s always going to be people that disagree with those … [Read more...] about Nevada Governor Fails to Lead
Time to EvaluateCrisis of Humanity
Life on earth has changed dramatically in the past few weeks. The COVID-19 virus has infected humanity in every nation and wreaked havoc throughout the world. Panic, fear, disbelief and anger is in our own backyard and you may be experiencing those very emotions yourself. Even before the coronavirus, it was a frightening time and it’s easy to give into those fears. As of … [Read more...] about Time to Evaluate
Democrats & Legislative Council Bureau Running AmokIgnore the Will of the People
In September of last year, Nevada State Senator Heidi Gansert was a guest columnist with Nevada Business Magazine. She explained how, in the last session, Democrats ignored the two-thirds supermajority constitutional requirement to pass two bills: SB 551 and SB 542. The first, SB 551 prevented the Modified Business Tax (MBT) from sunsetting as scheduled and made the higher rate … [Read more...] about Democrats & Legislative Council Bureau Running Amok
Election Season is Upon UsLet The Games Begin
As difficult as it is to believe, it’s election season. It’s that wonderful time every couple of years when citizens are bombarded with campaign messages from the media, outdoor, online and virtually every imaginable source, all in an effort to get candidate’s names and faces in front of voters. Between messaging from national and local campaigns, debates and commentary, it’s … [Read more...] about Election Season is Upon Us
Resolution Takes a Shot at ChristiansDNC Claims “Inclusivity” While Vilifying Religious Views
Last year the Democratic National Committee (DNC) released a resolution that purported to champion voters who were religiously unaffiliated. In reality, the asinine resolution, which passed unanimously at the DNC’s summer meeting, held unveiled contempt for voters of faith while attempting to hide that contempt in an unneccessary resolution. “Be it resolved that the … [Read more...] about Resolution Takes a Shot at Christians
A Sanctuary StateEnforcing the Law in Nevada
In October, the Las Vegas police department announced that they were ending an agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to notify the agency of undocumented immigrants. Moving forward, they’ll only inform ICE of the detainment of these individuals in the case of violent crimes. This move expands the sheriff department’s established direction in December … [Read more...] about A Sanctuary State
The Root of the SeasonGiving Thanks for Blessings
It’s easy to forget in the midst of all the conflict and hatred that surrounds us now to give thanks for the many blessings we have. As November is the month of thanksgiving I’d like to remind you all to take a moment and be thankful. President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation is below. It’s as appropriate for today as it was when he first delivered it on October … [Read more...] about The Root of the Season
Gun ControlOut of Control
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” - Amendment 2, Bill of Rights, U.S. Constitution Ratified on December 15, 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights’ amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America, the Second Amendment has become known as the “Right … [Read more...] about Gun Control
The Good, The Bad and The UglyOne Amendment Provides Access, While the Other Adds Restrictions
Two bills were passed in the final days of the legislative session which change the way the public can access information we are entitled to as taxpayers. They are Senate Bills (SB) 224 and 287. Ostensibly, both bills were intended to grant easier access and provide consequences for not providing that information. And, for the most part, that’s what they do. However, an … [Read more...] about The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
New Options for Property OwnersSupreme Court Overturns Precedent
In late June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a long-standing precedent to allow property owners to go directly to federal court if they feel that state and local regulations are depriving landowners of the use of their property. The decision was sharply divided with all five of the court’s conservatives voting for the ruling in a 5-4 split. This ruling could become … [Read more...] about New Options for Property Owners
You Get What You Vote ForParticipate in the Process
In the last few years I’ve noticed a disturbing trend from both Democrats and Republicans. When elections don’t go the way they want them to, both sides are guilty of trying to circumvent the system through recalls or even threats of impeachment. If you don’t like who was elected in a fair and free election, guess what? We have a system in place to address that. It’s called … [Read more...] about You Get What You Vote For