December 8, 2023
First and foremost, our hearts go out to those affected by the deadly shooting on the UNLV campus and the two Nevada State Troopers who were killed in the line of duty in this last week. It has been a difficult week in Nevada as the tragic news of those events unfolded.
This week’s political news includes major appointments by Governor Lombardo, more candidate updates and announcements for the 2024 election cycle, and a major indictment announcement by the Attorney General related to the 2020 Presidential election. Interesting articles, Nevada news updates, and more below:
Days until:
- Nevada presidential primary: 60
- GOP presidential caucus: 62
- Primary Election Day: 185
- General Election Day: 333
Updates from the Governor’s Office
Nevada governor names James Humm as executive director of Cannabis Compliance Board
Humm joined the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in September 2019 as the Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs and most recently served as the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs. During his tenure at GOED, Humm served as the agency’s point person in the Nevada Legislature, where he successfully passed several economic development related bills and contributed to the approval and signage of several others. (Carson Now)
LVCVA’s Steve Hill, union official reappointed to Las Vegas Stadium Authority Board
Steve Hill, who heads up county tourism as the CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and Tommy White, secretary-treasurer of the Laborers International Union, Local 872, were reappointed to the board. Their terms were expiring at the end of 2023. (Yahoo News)
State and Local Government Updates
‘Transparent and secure’: NV secretary of state’s office responds to RNC allegations
The Republican National Committee sent a letter to Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar alleging inconsistencies with the state’s voter rolls, claiming that multiple counties’ voter registrations outnumber county populations of eligible voters. In response, the office said it was concerned about the data the committee was using and how it was being presented. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Mr. Coyote Springs Prowls near Pyramid Lake for Billions of Gallons of Groundwater
Recent applications in the Nevada State Engineer’s office highlight that developers are pursuing more ill-conceived efforts near Pyramid Lake in a basin that is already over-allocated. But these aren’t just any filings. They are from long-time desert pitch person Harvey Whittemore, best known as the mastermind behind the Coyote Springs Investment boondoggle. (Great Basin Water Network)
$3 million in grants available for conservation & outdoor recreation projects
The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR) is pleased to announce that approximately $3 million in grant funding is now available through the Conserve Nevada Program for projects that support conservation and outdoor recreation in Nevada. Conserve Nevada grants are open to all Nevada cities, counties, towns, general improvement districts (GIDs), conservation districts, water conservancy districts, nonprofit organizations, and State agencies. (NDCNR)
Clark County district judge to retire next month
Nancy Allf announced Monday that she will retire in January after serving nearly 13 years on the bench in Clark County District Court. Allf said her last day will be Jan. 11. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Vote set for proposed ban on stopping on Strip pedestrian bridges
Visitors to the resort corridor could be banned from stopping on pedestrian bridges if county officials approve a proposed ordinance. Proponents of the measure say it is meant to increase public safety by making sure pedestrian traffic continues moving across the bridges. People who stop on the bridges or connected escalators and stairways could be charged with a misdemeanor. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
NV wages among nation’s lowest, rate of wage growth among nation’s slowest
Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Chief Economist David Schmidt to the state’s Economic Forum on Tuesday. Nevada’s average hourly wage, as of October, was $29.34 — ranking 44th out of the 51 states and the District of Columbia. (Nevada Current)
Nevada’s six fake electors indicted; AG Ford says
The six Nevadans who were charged are Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald, Clark County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Law (who earlier Wednesday announced his run for Assembly), Republican National Committeeman Jim DeGraffenreid, Nevada GOP Vice Chairman Jim Hindle III, Shawn Meehan and Eileen Rice. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Northern Nevada Public Health officer Kevin Dick Retires
Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH), has announced his plans to retire March 31, 2024, capping an almost 40-year career in public health and 11 years leading NNPH, formerly Washoe County Health District. (Northern Nevada Public Health Newsroom)
Google completes ‘enhanced’ Fervo geothermal project near Winnemucca
Geothermal power is especially important because it provides “always-on” energy that is not subject to the same disruptions as solar and wind. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Washoe County sees homeless numbers drop after collecting detailed data on each person
Washoe County’s total homeless numbers have decreased 21% – from 2,190 in November last year to 1,723 in November this year, based on the number of all sheltered and unsheltered people who have interacted with regional agencies and nonprofits. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Federal Updates
CA farmers agree to conserve 100,000 acre-feet of Lake Mead water in exchange for compensation
On Friday, the Biden Administration announced they will pay the Imperial Irrigation District — the Colorado River’s largest water user — an estimated $77.6 million to conserve 100,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead this year, equivalent to a third of Nevada’s total annual water allocation from the reservoir. (Nevada Current)
Why Nevada advocates, businesses want Biden to expand work permits for the undocumented
The federal government recently enabled Venezuelan migrants to get work permits. Long-term undocumented immigrants are still in limbo. (The Nevada Independent)
Ex-Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt leaves a super PAC backing Ron DeSantis’ campaign
The chairman of the most powerful independent group supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential ambitions has resigned, marking the second major departure at the pro-DeSantis Never Back Down super PAC in the last two weeks. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Articles of Interest
Nevada legislators with rental properties voted against bills helping tenants
At least six Nevada legislators who own rental properties voted against bills affecting rentals – from capping rent increases for seniors to increasing transparency on rental leases – promoting concerns about special interests; influence on government. The four different pieces of legislation passed the Democratic majority Legislature along mostly party lines, although they were ultimately vetoed by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, who received criticism for rejecting the bills related to tenants’ rights and eviction reform. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Vegas to L.A. high-speed rail line secures $3 billion in federal funding
Brightline West, the company behind the proposed high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, will receive $3 billion from the federal Department of Transportation, a large portion of the $3.75 billion the company was seeking in public funds. The remainder of the projected $12 billion cost will be privately financed. (The Nevada Independent)
Burning Man narrowly passes environmental inspection
The organizers of the Burning Man festival narrowly passed their environmental inspection after mass torrential rains closed roads, jammed traffic, and forced many to walk miles barefoot through muck, leaving trails of debris in the remote Nevada desert. The festival passed 109 of the 120 randomly generated inspection points, along with five of six “points of interest” designated by the US Bureau of Land Management. Had they failed one more point, they would not have passed the inspection. (Nevada Appeal)
Could future A’s stadium be new home for NFR
About 340,000 people visit Las Vegas for NFR each year, and only half have tickets because of the Thomas & Mack Centers capacity. (The Nevada Independent)
Indy Gaming: Analyst says A’s stadium project could prop up Bally’s
The Rhode Island-based company, which leases the operations of the Tropicana, says it will demolish the aging hotel-casino on a 35-acre south Strip site ahead of construction of the planned 33,000-seat, $1.5 billion ballpark, which would sit on 9 acres. (The Nevada Independent)
How Hispanic voters’ growing political power in Nevada could offer hope to the GOP
CNN traveled to Nevada – a key battleground next year – as part of our project tracking the 2024 campaign through the eyes and experiences of voters. Hispanics were just 7% of Nevada’s population when Reagan was elected but are 30% now. (CNN)
Elon Musk’s Boring Co. buys land for addition
The Vegas Loop will feature 68 miles of tunnels through which passengers will be transferred in Tesla vehicles. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
2 Nevada state troopers struck and killed while helping another driver on Las Vegas freeway
A suspect was taken into custody hours after the crash. The two troopers found a motorist who appeared to be sleeping behind the wheel on the side of Interstate 15 around 3:23am. When the troopers were trying to interact with the motorist, they were hit by another vehicle, which fled the scene. (CBS News)
UNLV shooting: 3 victims, gunman dead; reports name suspect
A gunman opened fire on the UNLV campus on Wednesday, killing three, seriously injuring a fourth person, and forcing terrified students and faculty to barricade themselves in classrooms. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Election News
RNC alleges inconsistencies in Nevada’s voter rolls, threatens lawsuit
The Republican National Committee sent a letter Monday to the Nevada Secretary of State, alleging inconsistencies in the state’s voter registration numbers. The organization is demanding the secretary of state address its concerns, or else it will process with a lawsuit. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Gov. Joe Lombardo endorsed businessman Rafael Arroyo, a Republican challenger for Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui (D-Las Vegas)’s seat, on Monday. And Assembly Democrats endorsed attorney Joe Dalia for Assembly District 29 last week. So far, only incumbent two state lawmakers (Sen. Dina Neal (D-North Las Vegas) and Assemblyman Ken Gray (R-Dayton)) have yet to announce their plans for 2024. More details and other announcements on The Nevada Independent’s legislative candidate tracker here. (The Nevada Independent)
North Las Vegas Council Ward 2 race filling up
Robert “Twixx” Taylor, Marie S. Hughes and Ruth Garcia-Anderson all campaign for North Las Vegas City Council Ward 2. (The Nevada Independent)
GOP official Jesse Law announces run for Nevada Assembly
Chairman Jesse Law, whose work as Clark County Republican Party Chairman led to the highest midterm Republican voter turnout in recent history in Clark County – directly contributing to Governor Joe Lombardo’s 2022 victory – is entering the race for the open Assembly seat in District 2. (Las Vegas Sun)
Clark County GOP Chairman runs for Nevada Assembly amid grand …
Clark County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Law launched his run for State Assembly on Wednesday, shortly before it was announced he was indicted by a grand jury for his role in Nevada’s so-called “fake elector” scheme. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Election 2024: Tracking Nevada legislative candidate announcements
Nevada Assembly Democrats endorsed attorney Alex Velto for Assembly District 27, held by Assemblywoman Angie Taylor (D-Reno), who is running for state Senate District 15. Gov. Joe Lombardo endorsed Diana Sande for Nevada Assembly District 25 on Dec. 5. The district is represented by Assemblywoman Selena La Rue Hatch (D-Reno), who assumed office after the 2022 election. (The Nevada Independent)
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