GOP governor hopefuls address Carson City Republicans

Nearly 200 people turned out for the Carson City Lincoln Day Dinner, which many expected to feature another challenge from State Sen. Bob Beers to force Rep. Jim Gibbons to take stands on issues including his proposed tax and spending control amendment.

Beers has issued that challenge at several previous events both men attended but it didn't happen Friday at the Carson Nugget. Beers, Gibbons and Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt all promised if elected they would block future tax increases while working to improve public schools.

Hunt cited her experience as head of the tourism commission, economic development commission, as a member of the executive branch audit board and President of the Nevada Senate in addition to 30 years business experience in Nevada. She is in her second term as lieutenant governor.

She said she would work to strengthen the state's business climate because "when the economy is strong and small business and entrepreneurs are successful, then we have money for education and other programs."

On education, she said she would strengthen the university system "not funded by tax dollars as much as public-private partnerships."

Beers urged support for his tax and spending initiative saying Nevada was second only to New Jersey in tax increases over the past five years and the proposed amendment would put the clamps on that.

"Mine will be a governorship of ideas," he said pointing out he proposed the tax rebate for citizens more than a month before Gov. Kenny Guinn put a $300 million rebate in his budget.

Education, he said, is failing students in Clark County where 19 percent of high school seniors couldn't pass proficiency exams. He said, however, computerized records of test scores will, by next year, enable principals in each school there to determine which teachers are getting through to students and which aren't. He said that will enable administrators to coach teachers where they are weak and improve them.

And he went a step farther: "Principals will have the tools to become coaches. Principals will have the tools to award merit pay on merit."

He has served three terms in the Assembly and two years in the Senate.

Born and raised in Nevada, Gibbons said, "I know Nevada."

"I know the challenges. I know the obstacles. More important, I know the opportunities."

Gibbons said Nevada has to make education accountable to parents and taxpayers and must keep taxes low in the state to attract businesses. He called for "a small and efficient government that does not compete with the private sector.

He urged support for his "Education First" initiative requiring the legislature to fund education before other parts of the budget.

But he avoided specifics. Gibbons has said repeatedly he will take more specific stands on issues once the filing period is closed in May. He has also said he will not debate the other candidates until then.

He has served three terms in the Assembly and five in the House of Representatives. He was defeated by Democrat Bob Miller in his first run for governor.

-- Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.