Governor
Encourages Citizens
to Be Prepared For Any
Emergency
Governor
Jim Gibbons today encouraged citizens throughout Nevada to prepare for
emergencies by building an emergency kit, developing a family response plan and
ensuring they maintain access to communications networks during times of
emergency.
“The
ongoing earthquake swarm in the Mogul area west of Reno reinforces the need for
every citizen to create a personal emergency plan,” Gibbons said. “By being
prepared, citizens will be able to protect themselves, their loved ones and
their property. By keeping and following a plan, citizens will help minimize the
damage of any disaster and be better positioned to help their neighbors in their
time of need.”
These
comments came immediately following a briefing on the earthquake swarm by
University of Nevada, Reno scientists and state and local emergency management
officials on the UNR Campus. Earthquakes can happen anywhere in Nevada at any
time, and the scientists were joined by emergency management officials in
highlighting the need for individual safety plans.
‘The
people of Nevada should feel assured that the State will be there to help them
should a major earthquake occur,” said Frank Siracusa, chief of the state
division of emergency management. “We are working with local emergency managers
on a daily basis to ensure all our plans are in line with the most current
information. We plan and train for emergency scenarios on an ongoing basis, and
the state is prepared to handle any emergency we are able to foresee.”
Emergency kits should include a flashlight, a battery-powered radio,
medications, clothing, water, food and anything else that will be necessary to
sustain a family for three to seven days. Individuals should also review their
homes for hazards, such as unsecured water heaters and heavy objects topping
shelves or bookcases.
Additional preparedness information can be found through the Nevada
Seismological Laboratory at
www.seismo.unr.edu.
Governor Announces Creation Of Government
Efficiency Commission; Names Bruce James Chairman
Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the creation of the Nevada Spending and
Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission and named Bruce James to serve as its
chairman.
The
SAGE Commission is being created to “to find savings in government spending and
efficiencies in government operations while improving customer service.”
The
Governor will be creating the commission by executive order during the May 7
meeting of his Cabinet, at which time he will also formally introduce Bruce
James, provide additional details about the makeup of the commission and lay out
its scope of work.
“My
goal for this commission is to drive change,” the Governor said. “This
commission will identify ways the state can streamline its operations and
maximize the use of taxpayer dollars, all while better serving the public. I’m
not interested in another study that sits on a shelf and collects dust.
I expect reasonable solutions that can be implemented
immediately, as well as long-term solutions that may need legislative approval.”
Commission membership will include top-level veterans of business administration
with an array of subject matter expertise and a proven track record of creating
efficiencies and cost savings within their organizations. The Governor will be
instructing his Cabinet and members of his administration to work closely with
the commission whenever requested to ensure the people on the ground, doing the
work of state government, have a stake in this process.
“The
more we can save by implementing operating efficiencies, the better we can meet
the needs of our state with the resources we have,” the Governor said.
From
2002 to 2007, Bruce James served as the Public Printer of the United States
overseeing operations of the U.S. Printing Office. James is widely credited with
turning around the Printing Office, having found a grossly inefficient,
money-losing operation and leaving it five years later as a streamlined,
innovative print and information provider, giving customers access to more
information while having 30 percent fewer employees.
The
Governor will be appointing James as Chairman and five additional members while
requesting recommendations from the four Legislative leaders to fill an
additional six seats on the 12-member panel.
Governor Appoints Jodi Stephens Legislative
Director
Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the
promotion of Jodi Stephens to Legislative Director, charging her with all
gubernatorial initiatives during the 2009 Legislative Session.
Stephens has served the Governor as his
rural director since he took office and worked in the Governor’s Congressional
office for four years. During the 2007 Legislative Session, Stephens served as
the primary negotiator on the school Empowerment legislation that the Governor
signed into law nearly a year ago.
“Jodi is a tremendous asset to my staff,”
the Governor said. “She is extremely well-versed on the core issues affecting
Nevada. She was successful as the steward of my primary education initiative
during the last Legislative session, and I’m confident she’ll do well next year,
too.”
Stephens was born and raised in Hawthorne
and graduated from Mineral County High School. She then attended the University
of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a professional degree in secondary
education and a bachelor’s degree in political science. Stephens began working
for Congressman Gibbons in 2002.
“I’m truly honored to be entrusted with
such an important role in the Governor’s administration,” Stephens said. “I will
be working diligently to forward the Governor’s agenda and reach a consensus
with lawmakers on some of the most important issues facing Nevada today.”
Stephens’ promotion is effective May 1,
2008.
