Reid criticizes Sandoval on Anaconda Copper Mine
Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, after chastising his Republican colleagues for doing nothing to help the “poisoned” children of Flint, Michigan, again turned to Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and a major environmental issue at home.
“The governor is wrong,” Reid said in an op-ed for the Reno Gazette-Journal on what should happen with the Anaconda Copper Mine cleanup.
“The Anaconda Copper Mine should have been been designated a Superfund National Priority site long ago.”
Last month Sandoval told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the abandoned mine site near Yerington should not go on that list because of a lack of imminent health concerns and the uncertainty linked to such a designation.
The agency already considers the roughly 3,400 acres a Superfund site but wants to add the location to the priority list to tap federal cleanup funds.
Sandoval said he will update the EPA in April.
Reid was unmoved.
“Any negative publicity is not about the cleanup, but about the toxic mine itself,” he stated.
— Jim Myers
Cortez Masto kicks off Black History month
Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democratic candidate for a U.S. Senate seat, started off Black History Month last week by telling voters about her intention to fight for all, regardless of race or economic background.
She had a press conference Monday at the Expertise Cosmetology Institute in Las Vegas, where African-American supporters praised her background and work as Nevada attorney general. Cortez Masto is running for the Democratic nomination for the open seat of U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., who is retiring and supports her. U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., is running on the GOP side, where he’s a lock to get the nomination.
Supporters include Assemblyman Jason Frierson, state Sen. Pat Spearman, and Hannah Brown, former president of the Urban Chamber of Commerce.
“Catherine Cortez Masto is not afraid to take on the tough fights — no matter how big or tough the opponent may be,” Brown said. “Whether it was standing up to the big banks to get millions of dollars to help keep Nevadans in their homes after the economic crisis, or going after domestic abusers and cracking down on human traffickers, there is no fight Catherine won’t take on when it comes to protecting and helping the people of Nevada.”
— Ben Botkin
Matthews’ tax plan has thumbs-up from Norquist
Republican Andy Matthews, who is seeking the nomination for the 3rd Congressional District, wants a simplified two-rate structure for personal federal income tax rates.
The plan would put in place rates of 15 percent and 25 percent and has earned the praise of Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, a conservative advocacy group.
Matthews’ plan hinges on President Ronald Reagan-era ideals that the plan’s tax relief will lead to job creation and boost the economy.
Norquest, in a statement, said Matthews’ plan “would achieve even lower rates than President Reagan did, with 90 percent of taxpayers paying only the 15 percent rate, and the top rate only at 25 percent. That would be a major contribution to booming economic growth.”
Norquist’s group formed in 1985 at Reagan’s request, and it’s gone on to do work that includes organizing the “taxpayer protection pledge.” Under that symbolic pledge, candidates for legislative and federal offices are required to sign a form promising to oppose all net tax increases.
— Ben Botkin
NHP seeks more money to pay for protecting presidential candidates
When presidential candidates come to campaign, it sheds a light on Nevada and Western issues.
It also costs taxpayers money. And this year, it is costing more than the state had anticipated.
Gov. Brian Sandoval’s two-year budget approved by lawmakers last year appropriated $35,668 to the Nevada Highway Patrol for visiting dignitary protection. But with the Silver State taking a prominent role in this year’s presidential election, that sum is falling short.
The Highway Patrol is seeking $109,432 from a state contingency fund to pay for visiting dignitary protection services relating to the 2016 presidential campaign.
The Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee is scheduled to consider the request when it meets Thursday.
Nevada’s presidential nominating caucuses are Feb. 20 for Democrats and Feb. 23 for Republicans. Nevada also will play host to the final presidential debate in Las Vegas on Oct. 19, just two weeks before the general election.
— Sandra Chereb
— Contact Jim Myers at jmyers@reviewjournal.com or 202-783-1760. Find him on Twitter: @myers_dc. Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1. Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3821. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb.
