RSS 2.0 FeedVol. 4, No.10, October 2008, Featured Articles
Candidate Questions
During the upcoming election, Nevada residents will be charged with selecting three individuals to represent the state’s three congressional districts. Among the candidates running for Congress are incumbents Shelley Berkley (Democrat—District 1), Dean Heller (Republican—District 2) and Jon Porter (Republican—District 3). The challengers are Republican Kenneth Wegner in District 1 and Democrats Jill Derby in District 2 and Dina Titus in District 3.
To help you make a decision on which candidate could best represent your district, as well as the state, we asked the candidates five questions and asked them to limit their responses to 50 words. Their answers are printed below.
(We made several attempts to reach representatives from Kenneth Wegner’s campaign but were unsuccessful.)
1) How do you view the transportation issues in Nevada? Is there a need for more federal funds to build more highways throughout the state, especially in Southern Nevada?
Rep. Shelley Berkley: We have a critical need to continue to expand the highway system leading in and out of the Las Vegas valley, but also increase the capacity of our commuter roads in our community. We also need to complete upgrades at our airport and greatly improve mass transit.
There is no question we need more federal assistance to complete these jobs. Throughout my 10 years in Congress I have secured record levels of federal support for our fast growing community. This will always be a major priority in my work.
Rep. Dean Heller: Highways and transportation are integral to commerce and the economy in Nevada. The large U.S. highway system creates mobility, connectivity and economic access. It is critical to Nevada’s future that our transportation infrastructure remains well maintained and can accommodate the needs of our communities and tourism industry.
Jill Derby: As a rapidly growing state, Nevada continues to need additional transportation infrastructure to meet its needs. My district spans the whole of the state, so I understand the challenges of transportation in the north and the south. I would work as an advocate for Nevada on every level, including making sure that Nevada gets its fair share of the federal funds that are allocated for highway and transportation projects.
Rep. Jon Porter: Our roads are the lifeline for our economy and the gaming industry. Nevada is facing a transportation funding shortfall of more than $8 billion. Nevada has never received its fair share of transportation dollars. I have secured $32 million for projects like the Hoover Dam Bypass and the Boulder City Bypass. I have also led efforts to find alternative financing for projects, including adding additional lanes to the I-15 corridor so we may enhance visitor access to our community from Southern California.
Dina Titus: We are $3 billion short when it comes to building the highways we need, particularly in Southern Nevada. We must work to secure more federal funding for highways and mass transit like light rail that can transport workers from suburban areas to concentrated work centers like the Las Vegas Strip.
2) Several Congressmen have introduced or sponsored a bill that would set up a federal panel to study internet gaming. Others are calling for a complete repeal of the UIGEA. Where do you stand on this issue on why?
Berkley: I am the author of the internet gaming study bill being considered in Congress. This is a first step for restoring the right of American adults to participate in this online leisure activity, as millions in other countries have the right to do. I hope to repeal UIGEA.
Heller: I believe gaming should be primarily subject to state—not federal—regulation. Therefore I supported and voted for H.R. 6870 as a member of the House Financial Services Committee. This bill would require federal financial regulators to scrap the proposed regulations required by UIGEA, except for sports betting by Americans.
Derby: I do not support internet gaming. Internet gaming is detrimental to our economy both here in Nevada and nationally, since it takes money to offshore accounts to avoid regulation. Studies also indicate that internet gaming carries many times higher risk of problem gambling and gambling addiction than casino gaming. While I support gaming as an integral part of our culture and economy, internet gaming simply carries too much cost and risk.
Porter: I am an original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation that calls on the National Academy of Sciences to study the internet gaming industry. The Nevada gaming industry must adhere to the most onerous rules and regulations. How can Congress regulate internet gaming if we do not fully understand the industry?
Titus: I would support a study on internet gaming that looks at the effects on our tourism-based economy in Nevada. It is also important to examine how accessible internet gaming is for underage youth and how to prevent underage gambling.
3) The federal government once considered an excise tax on gaming. How would you work to defeat that effort should it come up again?
Berkley: A key reason I chose to serve on the Ways and Means Committee was to protect gaming, which is the largest employer in our state. A federal excise tax could only result in a severe blow to our economy in Nevada. And clearly, the right to regulate and tax gaming rests with the state, not federal government.
Heller: The Nevada delegation works closely together on issues affecting our state. In this fashion, we would hold up and kill any legislation that negatively affects gaming and tourism in Nevada. The delegation has long used this approach against Yucca Mountain and other legislation with a detrimental impact on our state.
Derby: A federal excise tax on gaming would place an unfair and unacceptable financial burden on an entirely legitimate and open industry. Such a tax would also disproportionately affect Nevada in comparison to all other states in the nation. I would lead the charge in Congress and work with my colleagues to prevent such a tax from ever being implemented.
Porter: The Nevada delegation is incredibly effective in combating federal provisions negatively impacting our business community. I am a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, along with Rep. Shelley Berkley, and we serve as a powerful first line of defense when writing and approving tax law.
Titus: With the proliferation of gaming in many states, there can be a strong coalition of House members who would oppose a federal excise tax on gaming on the grounds that this is a state issue. I would be a strong voice within that coalition as this is an area where the federal government does not belong.
4) The Yucca Mountain Nuclear Repository is back in the news, now with a new four-year study that seems to have brought it back to life. Do we continue to fight it or do we see what we can get out of the federal government in terms of dollars and other incentives for hosting it in Nevada?
Berkley: I believe it will never be built because the costs are astronomical and it is not a safe way to dispose of nuclear waste. No Nevadan should be fooled into believing that the federal government would ever give Nevada any money to compensate for the dump. It’s all a big lie.
Heller: Yucca Mountain is on its last leg and now is no time to let up the fight against it. Also relying on federal monetary benefits for Yucca Mountain is a false hope for Nevada. The federal government has thousands of unfunded programs, and incentives for Nevada and Yucca Mountain would become one more.
Derby: The science is not yet in to say it is safe, and until that time, I will continue to oppose the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Repository. For every study that claims we can safely use the site, there is another that calls that safety into question. When dealing with radioactive nuclear waste, I am unwilling to risk the safety of Nevadans on inconclusive science.
Porter: We continue to fight Yucca Mountain. The federal government has not given Nevadans any confidence that this is an environmentally sound project. There are too many holes in the science, and no dollar amount will ever justify risking the safety of Nevada families.
Titus: President Bush doesn’t get it. The people of Nevada will not stand for his Yucca Mountain proposal, and as a member of Congress, I will fight against it. Nevada cannot afford more of the Bush-McCain policy that would turn our state into a nuclear waste dump.
5) The gaming industry is enduring difficult times in Nevada. As a member of Congress, you can’t do much for the business climate, but you can encourage more tourism and air service. Are there any notions to increase efforts in those areas?
Berkley: Countries around the world spend vast amounts to advertise their attractions locally. The United States needs to compete in this arena, and Congress should provide help to promote international tourism for America. Air service is an issue I work on diligently in Congress to make our aviation system efficient and cost effective.
Heller: As the economy struggles, tourism will also struggle. Until we find solutions to our energy problems, air service will be negatively affected. I support comprehensive energy legislation that promotes conservation, encourages the development of alternative and renewable energy and allows our country to pursue our own natural resources.
Derby: Nevada has built a reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and recreation, from Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake in the north to the Las Vegas Strip in the south. Despite tough economic times, Nevada continues to be a beacon of opportunity for development and business growth in the tourism and transportation sectors. As a representative in Congress, I would be an advocate for Nevada’s tourism industry and work with regulators, industry and commerce to encourage development throughout the state.
Porter: As co-chairman of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, I fully understand the challenges we face in Southern Nevada. First, we have to deal with our energy crisis and ensure tourists can afford to visit our community. Second, I have sponsored important legislation that would promote international travel and tourism to the United States.
I also co-hosted an economic roundtable discussion this year with secretaries Chertoff and Gutierrez, prominent industry leaders and key members of Congress to raise the profile of the travel industry and highlight its staggering $740 billion impact on our economy.
Titus: To encourage tourism, we must strengthen the national economy, and that begins with addressing the mortgage crisis. I support efforts to turn things around with increased regulation and oversight on the mortgage industry. I have also offered a comprehensive energy plan to lower gas prices that have strained families and businesses alike.
To help you make a decision on which candidate could best represent your district, as well as the state, we asked the candidates five questions and asked them to limit their responses to 50 words. Their answers are printed below.
(We made several attempts to reach representatives from Kenneth Wegner’s campaign but were unsuccessful.)
1) How do you view the transportation issues in Nevada? Is there a need for more federal funds to build more highways throughout the state, especially in Southern Nevada?
Rep. Shelley Berkley: We have a critical need to continue to expand the highway system leading in and out of the Las Vegas valley, but also increase the capacity of our commuter roads in our community. We also need to complete upgrades at our airport and greatly improve mass transit.
There is no question we need more federal assistance to complete these jobs. Throughout my 10 years in Congress I have secured record levels of federal support for our fast growing community. This will always be a major priority in my work.
Rep. Dean Heller: Highways and transportation are integral to commerce and the economy in Nevada. The large U.S. highway system creates mobility, connectivity and economic access. It is critical to Nevada’s future that our transportation infrastructure remains well maintained and can accommodate the needs of our communities and tourism industry.
Jill Derby: As a rapidly growing state, Nevada continues to need additional transportation infrastructure to meet its needs. My district spans the whole of the state, so I understand the challenges of transportation in the north and the south. I would work as an advocate for Nevada on every level, including making sure that Nevada gets its fair share of the federal funds that are allocated for highway and transportation projects.
Rep. Jon Porter: Our roads are the lifeline for our economy and the gaming industry. Nevada is facing a transportation funding shortfall of more than $8 billion. Nevada has never received its fair share of transportation dollars. I have secured $32 million for projects like the Hoover Dam Bypass and the Boulder City Bypass. I have also led efforts to find alternative financing for projects, including adding additional lanes to the I-15 corridor so we may enhance visitor access to our community from Southern California.
Dina Titus: We are $3 billion short when it comes to building the highways we need, particularly in Southern Nevada. We must work to secure more federal funding for highways and mass transit like light rail that can transport workers from suburban areas to concentrated work centers like the Las Vegas Strip.
2) Several Congressmen have introduced or sponsored a bill that would set up a federal panel to study internet gaming. Others are calling for a complete repeal of the UIGEA. Where do you stand on this issue on why?
Berkley: I am the author of the internet gaming study bill being considered in Congress. This is a first step for restoring the right of American adults to participate in this online leisure activity, as millions in other countries have the right to do. I hope to repeal UIGEA.
Heller: I believe gaming should be primarily subject to state—not federal—regulation. Therefore I supported and voted for H.R. 6870 as a member of the House Financial Services Committee. This bill would require federal financial regulators to scrap the proposed regulations required by UIGEA, except for sports betting by Americans.
Derby: I do not support internet gaming. Internet gaming is detrimental to our economy both here in Nevada and nationally, since it takes money to offshore accounts to avoid regulation. Studies also indicate that internet gaming carries many times higher risk of problem gambling and gambling addiction than casino gaming. While I support gaming as an integral part of our culture and economy, internet gaming simply carries too much cost and risk.
Porter: I am an original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation that calls on the National Academy of Sciences to study the internet gaming industry. The Nevada gaming industry must adhere to the most onerous rules and regulations. How can Congress regulate internet gaming if we do not fully understand the industry?
Titus: I would support a study on internet gaming that looks at the effects on our tourism-based economy in Nevada. It is also important to examine how accessible internet gaming is for underage youth and how to prevent underage gambling.
3) The federal government once considered an excise tax on gaming. How would you work to defeat that effort should it come up again?
Berkley: A key reason I chose to serve on the Ways and Means Committee was to protect gaming, which is the largest employer in our state. A federal excise tax could only result in a severe blow to our economy in Nevada. And clearly, the right to regulate and tax gaming rests with the state, not federal government.
Heller: The Nevada delegation works closely together on issues affecting our state. In this fashion, we would hold up and kill any legislation that negatively affects gaming and tourism in Nevada. The delegation has long used this approach against Yucca Mountain and other legislation with a detrimental impact on our state.
Derby: A federal excise tax on gaming would place an unfair and unacceptable financial burden on an entirely legitimate and open industry. Such a tax would also disproportionately affect Nevada in comparison to all other states in the nation. I would lead the charge in Congress and work with my colleagues to prevent such a tax from ever being implemented.
Porter: The Nevada delegation is incredibly effective in combating federal provisions negatively impacting our business community. I am a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, along with Rep. Shelley Berkley, and we serve as a powerful first line of defense when writing and approving tax law.
Titus: With the proliferation of gaming in many states, there can be a strong coalition of House members who would oppose a federal excise tax on gaming on the grounds that this is a state issue. I would be a strong voice within that coalition as this is an area where the federal government does not belong.
4) The Yucca Mountain Nuclear Repository is back in the news, now with a new four-year study that seems to have brought it back to life. Do we continue to fight it or do we see what we can get out of the federal government in terms of dollars and other incentives for hosting it in Nevada?
Berkley: I believe it will never be built because the costs are astronomical and it is not a safe way to dispose of nuclear waste. No Nevadan should be fooled into believing that the federal government would ever give Nevada any money to compensate for the dump. It’s all a big lie.
Heller: Yucca Mountain is on its last leg and now is no time to let up the fight against it. Also relying on federal monetary benefits for Yucca Mountain is a false hope for Nevada. The federal government has thousands of unfunded programs, and incentives for Nevada and Yucca Mountain would become one more.
Derby: The science is not yet in to say it is safe, and until that time, I will continue to oppose the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Repository. For every study that claims we can safely use the site, there is another that calls that safety into question. When dealing with radioactive nuclear waste, I am unwilling to risk the safety of Nevadans on inconclusive science.
Porter: We continue to fight Yucca Mountain. The federal government has not given Nevadans any confidence that this is an environmentally sound project. There are too many holes in the science, and no dollar amount will ever justify risking the safety of Nevada families.
Titus: President Bush doesn’t get it. The people of Nevada will not stand for his Yucca Mountain proposal, and as a member of Congress, I will fight against it. Nevada cannot afford more of the Bush-McCain policy that would turn our state into a nuclear waste dump.
5) The gaming industry is enduring difficult times in Nevada. As a member of Congress, you can’t do much for the business climate, but you can encourage more tourism and air service. Are there any notions to increase efforts in those areas?
Berkley: Countries around the world spend vast amounts to advertise their attractions locally. The United States needs to compete in this arena, and Congress should provide help to promote international tourism for America. Air service is an issue I work on diligently in Congress to make our aviation system efficient and cost effective.
Heller: As the economy struggles, tourism will also struggle. Until we find solutions to our energy problems, air service will be negatively affected. I support comprehensive energy legislation that promotes conservation, encourages the development of alternative and renewable energy and allows our country to pursue our own natural resources.
Derby: Nevada has built a reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and recreation, from Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake in the north to the Las Vegas Strip in the south. Despite tough economic times, Nevada continues to be a beacon of opportunity for development and business growth in the tourism and transportation sectors. As a representative in Congress, I would be an advocate for Nevada’s tourism industry and work with regulators, industry and commerce to encourage development throughout the state.
Porter: As co-chairman of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, I fully understand the challenges we face in Southern Nevada. First, we have to deal with our energy crisis and ensure tourists can afford to visit our community. Second, I have sponsored important legislation that would promote international travel and tourism to the United States.
I also co-hosted an economic roundtable discussion this year with secretaries Chertoff and Gutierrez, prominent industry leaders and key members of Congress to raise the profile of the travel industry and highlight its staggering $740 billion impact on our economy.
Titus: To encourage tourism, we must strengthen the national economy, and that begins with addressing the mortgage crisis. I support efforts to turn things around with increased regulation and oversight on the mortgage industry. I have also offered a comprehensive energy plan to lower gas prices that have strained families and businesses alike.
Greg Jones is managing editor of Casino Connection Nevada, as well as associate editor of Global Gaming Business magazine.
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