July '07 Nevada Government—Governor Jim Gibbons Column

Governor Gibbons Participates In Groundbreaking of
Pyramid Highway Expansion

GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS joined with community leaders from Sparks and Reno today [July 12, 2007] to break ground on the new Pyramid Highway expansion project at Eagle Canyon Drive and Las Posada Drive.

The estimated total cost of the project is $7.4 million dollars.

"Our quality of life depends on a transportation system that allows us to get where we need to go without wasting our valuable time and gas sitting in traffic. This highway expansion is part of our effort to revitalize our transportation infrastructure to keep pace with our needs," said Governor Jim Gibbons.

"The RTC realizes that the key to maintaining our quality of life is keeping up with the needs of the people for an efficient transportation system," said Gregory Kraus, Regional Transportation Commission Executive Director. "We are building a better future for our community."

"This project is the result of total collaboration between the county, cities, state, and the Reno Sparks Indian Colony. Without this joint cooperation, this expansion project would not be possible," said Washoe County Commissioner Bob Larkin.

Governor Gibbons Appoints Clark District Judge

GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS has appointed Elissa Cadish district court judge for Nevada's Eighth Judicial District, Department 6, serving Clark County. She replaces District Judge Joseph Bonaventure, who has retired from the bench.

"Elissa Cadish has the qualifications and the experience to serve the people of Clark County as a district court judge. She graduated near the top of her class from a very prestigious law school and has practiced law in Nevada for 16 years, earning the respect of her peers. I am confident that, as judge, she will become an important part of Clark County's judicial system, rendering fair and impartial judgments for the people of southern Nevada," said Governor Gibbons.

Cadish has been a shareholder at the law firm of Hale Lane Peek Dennison and Howard since 2000. Her specialty is civil litigation. She was admitted to the Nevada Bar in 1991. Cadish received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia in 1989, graduating in the top ten percent of her class. A resident of Henderson, Cadish is 42 years old, married and has two children.

"I greatly appreciate Governor Gibbons' confidence in my abilities," said Cadish. "I will work hard to maintain the integrity of the rule of law in Clark County. I will see to it that everyone is treated fairly in my court, and that my decisions are based upon law and the facts of the case."

Judge Cadish will serve the remainder of Judge Bonaventure's term, which expires in January 2009.

Governor Gibbons Names Special Negotiator For Colorado River, Names New Colorado River Commission Chair, Member
GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS has created a new special negotiator position to represent Nevada in negotiations with the State of Utah over Colorado River issues and has appointed former Colorado River Commission (CRC) Chairman Richard Bunker to fill that position. The governor appointed George F. Ogilvie III to replace Bunker on the Commission and named former Vice Chairman Jacob Bingham the CRC's new chairman.

The Colorado River Commission acquires, manages and protects Nevada's water and hydroelectric power resources from the Colorado River. Six other states and the federal government share the management of the Colorado River Basin. The CRC is Nevada's representative in dealings with those other states and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

The Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation and Development Act of 2004 specifically directs the States of Nevada and Utah to reach an agreement on the use of water resources before either state can divert water from any shared basin. Even though the water originates within the State of Nevada, the Southern Nevada Water Authority's plan to bring water from Snake Valley in White Pine County is contingent upon the agreement.

"Richard Bunker has admirably served Nevadans for 15 years on the Colorado River Commission. His experience remains invaluable, especially in the negotiations with Utah, which are critical to southern Nevada's future. He has established the long-term relationships that are so important in water negotiations, and he is respected in both states," said Governor Gibbons.

"I am happy to continue to lend my efforts to the Commission in a new capacity," stated Bunker. "I have been in the water business here for a quarter century, and I will do my best on behalf of all Nevadans to make sure we reach a fair agreement."

The governor appointed George F. Ogilvie III to the commissioner position vacated by Bunker. Ogilvie is managing partner of the Las Vegas office of the law firm McDonald Carano Wilson. He is a native Nevadan who is very active in the Las Vegas community.

"George Ogilvie has built a reputation on hard work and dogged advocacy for the people he represents in court," said Governor Gibbons. "He will work just as hard representing southern Nevadans in dealings with other states."

"Having been born and raised in Las Vegas and now raising my own children here, I believe serving on the Colorado River Commission is about the most worthwhile manner in which I could serve our State. I believe my skills and background are well-suited to help forge solutions to the challenges the CRC faces," said Ogilvie.

New CRC Chairman Jacob Bingham has served on the Commission since his appointment by Governor Bob Miller in 1997. He served 12 years as a Clark County commissioner and has been involved in water issues since his appointment by Governor Richard Bryan to the Deep Carbonate Aquifer Committee.

"Jay Bingham has done an outstanding job on the CRC for a decade. As chairman, he will assure that the people of southern Nevada get the continuity of experience they need in handling important water issues," said Governor Gibbons.

"I am honored that Governor Gibbons has entrusted me with the chairmanship of this important commission," said Bingham. "I have lived in southern Nevada my entire life and this community is very important to me. I am eager to continue to serve by helping to ensure that we have water for future generations of Nevadans."

Governor Gibbons Appoints Two to Gaming Policy Committee

GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS announced today [July 9, 2007] that Bill Brady of Las Vegas and Stan Wilmoth of Sparks have been appointed to the Gaming Policy Committee. These appointments fulfill two vacant seats on the full committee, which has not met since the Governor Richard Bryan administration. At this time, Governor Gibbons has no plans to call the committee to order.

The Gaming Policy Committee serves as an advisory committee for the purpose of discussing matters related to gaming policy and the performance of its duties and functions.

"Both Bill and Stan will bring leadership to this committee and I am pleased that they have agreed to come on board. Sound gaming policy is critical for the continued success of Nevada's number one industry," said Governor Jim Gibbons.

Governor Jim Gibbons Calls For Further Hearings on Merger Between United Health Care and Sierra Health Services
GOVERNOR JIM GIBBONS announced today [July 6, 2007] that he has requested that Insurance Commissioner Alice Molasky-Arman schedule additional hearings on the proposed merger between United Health Care and Sierra Health Services.

"Holding additional hearings is necessary because of the large number of consumers and health care providers who will be impacted by the merger," Governor Gibbons stated. "Although hearings have been held on this proposed merger, enough questions remain concerning its impact on health care costs and access for Nevadans throughout the state that holding additional hearings is needed."

The Governor requested that hearings be held in southern Nevada, Reno, and Elko.

"By holding these hearings, we ensure that all Nevadans have a chance to have their concerns addressed," Governor Gibbons added. "In the end, this merger may work to the benefit of Nevadans, but at this point, we still need more information."

The Governor asked the Insurance Commissioner to schedule the additional hearings as soon as practicable, but is leaving the scheduling up to Molasky-Arman.

"This could be the largest health care event in Nevada history. We have a large uninsured population in Nevada and a shortage of health care providers," Governor Gibbons concluded, "We need to ensure that this proposed merger will not negatively impact insurance availability or result in a loss of medical care providers."

See the
Department of Business & Industry Division of Insurance
article for schedule.