(My friend Dee has posted here before and she has brought something to my attention that is being ignored by our local media. In essence it is a ruling that strikes at the very heart of county autonomy and representative government. Residency requirements for elective office exist for a reason, namely, that the person being elected will not only have an understanding of the area and its issues, but will also have a stake in the decisions they make, whether legislative or judicial.)
Guest Post - Dee Holzel
WINNEMUCCA — While we in Nevada have quietly been going about our business, a legal decision was made that could fundamentally change the residency requirements of elected officials.
The case involves Mike Montero, of Reno, who decided to run for judge in the 6th Judicial District Court.
Here’s the problem: Mr. Montero does not live within the jurisdiction of the 6th Judicial District Court, which includes Humboldt, Pershing, and Lander Counties.
A challenge was filed to Montero’s candidacy on the grounds he didn’t meet the residency requirements as outlined in the Nevada Revised Statutes AND the Nevada Constitution.
This is really a no-brainer. The law requires candidates to live in the districts where they’re running for office at least 30 days before filing.
The challenge was filed with the Sec. of State’s Office, who turned it over to the Attorney General’s Office.
The case ended up in the 2nd Judicial District Court (Washoe County) where Montero successfully argued that judges are state officers and therefore the entire state is their district.
In essence, anyone can run for judge anywhere.
Where will this end? One slick politician has gotten around the residency requirements -- how long before the rest follow suit?
The implications are greater for those of us who live in rural Nevada because it isn’t likely someone from Elko is going to end up on the bench in Clark County.
It will probably be the other way around. Politicians will look at the rurals as being an easier place to jump-start their political careers.
If we allow this to happen, we can kiss our water good-bye.
The AG has until April 30 to appeal the case to the Nevada Supreme Court.
(Cross-posted at Blue Lyon)
More info: Las Vegas Review-Journal article (4/12/2008)
Monday, April 28, 2008
Representative Goverment - Nevada Style?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Heller, Porter, Berkley Votes
Recent House Votes S-MINER Act - Vote Passed (214-199, 17 Not Voting) National Defense Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (369-46, 15 Not Voting) HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act - Vote Passed (271-130, 29 Not Voting) Recent House Votes S-MINER Act - Vote Passed (214-199, 17 Not Voting) National Defense Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (369-46, 15 Not Voting) HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act - Vote Passed (271-130, 29 Not Voting)
The House passed the S-MINER Act in an attempt to improve mine safety standards.
Rep. Dean Heller voted NO......send e-mail
or see bio
On Wednesday the House approved a modified version of the defense authorization bill, which addressed concerns that caused the President to unexpectedly veto the original bill last month.
Rep. Dean Heller voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
The House passed this bill to reauthorize the HOPE VI grant program that revitalizes severely distressed public housing.
Rep. Dean Heller voted NO......send e-mail
or see bio
The House passed the S-MINER Act in an attempt to improve mine safety standards.
Rep. Jon Porter voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
On Wednesday the House approved a modified version of the defense authorization bill, which addressed concerns that caused the President to unexpectedly veto the original bill last month.
Rep. Jon Porter voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
The House passed this bill to reauthorize the HOPE VI grant program that revitalizes severely distressed public housing.
Rep. Jon Porter voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Saturday, January 19, 2008
It's Caucus Day
Well, all the months of hard work are coming to fruition today with our Winning in the West Democratic Presidential Caucus. We've had some bumps along the road, and no doubt, we will today as well.
Some of us have worked diligently on the part of a campaign. Others have worked diligently on the part of our party. Some of us have done both. Many of us are running on fumes. And we are all a bit on the stressed side.
But let's go into this day remembering one thing: We are the party of the people. We know that our candle doesn't burn brighter if we blow someone else's out. When push comes to shove, that's what we are all about. We care about what happens to our neighbor, and we truly believe that we are our brother's keeper.
You all have a good day out there.
(Cross-posted at Blue Lyon and My Silver State)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Clinton, Edwards in Elko
Edwards:
ELKO Countdown to Caucus Event
Thursday, January 17th @ 8:30 p.m.
Highland Manor of Elko
2850 Ruby Vista Drive, Elko
RSVP: www.johnedwards.com/nevada
Clinton:
Hillary Clinton Hosts a“Delivering Real Change” Rally
Friday, January 18th at 1:00 p.m.
Elko Indian Colony Gymnasium
2250 Indian View Heights Drive, Elko, NV
I thought Obama was going to Elko on Friday, but I don't have any details. Perhaps the schedule has been changed. He will be in Reno on Friday morning.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Hillary heading for Elko
From their press release: Hillary Clinton to Continue “Delivering Real Change” Tour in Elko Clinton to Headline Event in Northern Nevada Hillary Clinton will visit Elko this Friday, January 18, to energize northern Nevadans to caucus for her in the January 19th Nevada Caucuses and to share with them her 35-year record delivering real change for American families.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Votes of Nevada’s Representatives
Recent Senate Votes CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 - Vote Agreed to (86-8, 6 Not Voting) FHA Modernization Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (93-1, 6 Not Voting) National Defense Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Agreed to (90-3, 7 Not Voting) Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (79-14, 7 Not Voting) Recent House Votes Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act - Vote Passed (303-116, 12 Not Voting) National Defense Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (370-49, 12 Not Voting) AMT Relief Act - Vote Passed (226-193, 13 Not Voting) Intelligence Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (222-199, 10 Not Voting) Making further continuing appropriations for FY2008 - Vote Passed (385-27, 21 Not Voting) Recent House Votes Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act - Vote Passed (303-116, 12 Not Voting) National Defense Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (370-49, 12 Not Voting) AMT Relief Act - Vote Passed (226-193, 13 Not Voting) Intelligence Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (222-199, 10 Not Voting) Making further continuing appropriations for FY2008 - Vote Passed (385-27, 21 Not Voting) Recent House Votes Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act - Vote Passed (303-116, 12 Not Voting) National Defense Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (370-49, 12 Not Voting) AMT Relief Act - Vote Passed (226-193, 13 Not Voting) Intelligence Authorization Act, FY2008 - Vote Passed (222-199, 10 Not Voting) Making further continuing appropriations for FY2008 - Vote Passed (385-27, 21 Not Voting)
The Senate passed a pared-down version of the energy bill that the House passed last week.
Sen. John Ensign voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
Sen. Harry Reid voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
The Senate passed legislation to ease the burden of mushrooming interest rates on homeowners by allowing them to transfer their finances into federally insured loans.
Sen. John Ensign voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
Sen. Harry Reid voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
On Friday, the Senate gave final approval to this bill authorizing defense spending for fiscal year 2008.
Sen. John Ensign voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
Sen. Harry Reid voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
The Senate approved this $288 billion, five-year bill that sets agricultural policy and authorizes funding for agricultural related programs such as commodity support, conservation, and nutrition.
Sen. John Ensign voted NO......send e-mail
or see bio
Sen. Harry Reid voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
The House passed this bill that would help the insurance industry cover costs in the event of a terrorist attack, after making slight revisions to the Senate version that passed last month.
Rep. Dean Heller voted NO......send e-mail
or see bio
The House passed this bill to authorize defense appropriations.
Rep. Dean Heller voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
The House passed this measure to patch the alternative minimum tax that would be financed by a pay-as-you-go plan.
Rep. Dean Heller voted NO......send e-mail
or see bio
This bill authorizing intelligence spending would also ban waterboarding, mock executions, and other severe methods of interrogation.
Rep. Dean Heller voted Not Voting......send e-mail
or see bio
On Thursday the House passed this continuing resolution to fund government programs through Friday, December 21.
Rep. Dean Heller voted Not Voting......send e-mail
or see bio
The House passed this bill that would help the insurance industry cover costs in the event of a terrorist attack, after making slight revisions to the Senate version that passed last month.
Rep. Jon Porter voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
The House passed this bill to authorize defense appropriations.
Rep. Jon Porter voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
The House passed this measure to patch the alternative minimum tax that would be financed by a pay-as-you-go plan.
Rep. Jon Porter voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
This bill authorizing intelligence spending would also ban waterboarding, mock executions, and other severe methods of interrogation.
Rep. Jon Porter voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
On Thursday the House passed this continuing resolution to fund government programs through Friday, December 21.
Rep. Jon Porter voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
The House passed this bill that would help the insurance industry cover costs in the event of a terrorist attack, after making slight revisions to the Senate version that passed last month.
Rep. Shelley Berkley voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
The House passed this bill to authorize defense appropriations.
Rep. Shelley Berkley voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
The House passed this measure to patch the alternative minimum tax that would be financed by a pay-as-you-go plan.
Rep. Shelley Berkley voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
This bill authorizing intelligence spending would also ban waterboarding, mock executions, and other severe methods of interrogation.
Rep. Shelley Berkley voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
On Thursday the House passed this continuing resolution to fund government programs through Friday, December 21.
Rep. Shelley Berkley voted YES......send e-mail
or see bio
Monday, December 31, 2007
TWO TOUGH QUESTIONS
Question 1: If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded and she had syphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion? Read the next question before looking at the answer for this one. Question 2: It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts. Here are the facts about the three leading candidates. Candidate A - Associates with crooked politicians and consults with astrologists. He's had two Mistresses. He also chain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day. Candidate B - He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening. Candidate C - He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and never cheated on his wife. Which of these candidates would be your Choice? Decide first, no peeking, and then scroll down for the answer. Candidate A: is Franklin D. Roosevelt Candidate B: is Winston Churchill Candidate C: is Adolph Hitler And, by the way, the answer to the abortion question: If you said yes, you just killed Beethoven. Pretty interesting isn't it? Makes a person think before judging someone. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember: Amateurs built the Ark...Professionals built the Titanic And in case you never saw this one: Can you imagine working for a company that has a little more than 500 employees and has the following statistics? * 29 have been accused of spousal abuse * 7 have been arrested for fraud * 19 have been accused of writing bad checks * 117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses * 3 have done time for assault * 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit * 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges * 8 have been arrested for shoplifting * 21 are currently defendants in lawsuits * 84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year Can you guess which organization this is? Give up yet? It's the 535 members of the United States Congress. The same group of idiots that crank out hundreds of new laws each year designed to keep the rest of us in line.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year
There's not much news in my neck of the woods, so I haven't been posting much. Perhaps our other contributors might find something newsworthy where they live and add a post. In any case, have a happy and safe New year, enjoy good health and do well in all your endeavors.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Karl Rove and Josh Bolten held in contempt by Senate Judiciary Committee
Don't look for it to get very far. Republicans can block the citations for contempt. Even if they don't Bush can pardon them. Or he can commute any punishment like he did for I. "Scooter" Libby. Bush has already claimed executive privilege to protect his aides from complying with congressional subpoenas. The committee has rejected Bush's claim of privilege.
It doesn't take a psychic to see, based on disputes between the Congress and Bush that Bush will prevail. Congress doesn't have enough starch in it's backbone to defeat Bush.
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Charities for Veterans Shortchanging the troops
Veterans are having a tough row to hoe it seems. Last week or so we learned that the Army was wanting wounded veterans who had been unable to complete their enlistment terms to refund their enlistment bonuses. That included veterans who had lost legs, arms, eyesight, etc. while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Now we learn that veteran's charities aren't spending the money they have collected from donors on the veterans.
Eight veterans charities, including some of the nation's largest, gaveI don't know why, but I'm not surprised.
less than a third of the money raised to the causes they champion, far
below the recommended standard, the American Institute of Philanthropy
says in a report.
"One group passed along 1 cent for every dollar raised" according to the report. Another paid its founder and his wife a combined $540,000 in compensation and benefits last year.
Can you imagine that?
There are no laws regulating the amount of money charities spend onKnowing how people can be it is amazing to me there are no laws regulating these "charities." Charity organizations have, in the past, bilked donors out of their money. Apparently with impunity absent regulatory laws and enforcement of them.
overhead, fundraising or giving. But the institute's report suggests
that 20 of the 29 military charities studied were managing their
resources poorly, paying high overhead costs and direct-mail
fundraising fees and, in some cases, providing their leaders with
six-figure salaries.
And here we are in the Christmas season. Merry Christmas everyone!
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