Letters to the Editor 6/3

Despite the pressures, governor stands firm

The Nevada legislators have passed a sizable tax increase. During Kenny Guinn's last session as governor he passed an $800 million tax increase, which was the largest in Nevada history. The Wall Street Journal dubbed him as the worst Republican governor. I guess our legislators are vying for the same title.

People are losing their homes and jobs. Businesses are closing and instead of tax breaks to forestall this calamity, they're trying to suck more out of our pocketbooks. They constantly hammer Gov. Gibbons because he's sticking to his promise of no new taxes. They wanted him to appear before the Legislature and say he's going to take a cut in wages equal to state employees. He's promised to do that but they demand he grovel before them. However, the legislators have protected themselves from being able to take a salary decrease after halfway through the session. How financially convenient.

Who and what does our Legislature represent except themselves and their own power? Shame on you Sen. Raggio for voting in favor of the tax increase in spite of the fact that it was an ethic violation because your own law firm lobbied for it. Without your vote the governor could veto it. You might label yourself a Republican but you are not a conservative and neither is any other Republican who voted for the destructive piece of legislation.

Thanks Gov. Gibbons for standing up for the people in spite of enormous pressure.

NANNETTE MOFFETT

Carson City

California tax system has become a disaster

Dr. Eugene Paslov comments in his May 23 column that most reputable economists believe an income tax is a progressive and fair tax and is also stable. I think recent budget events in California shed a different light on this statement.

California is the most taxed state in the union and has a very progressive income tax. The state is also bankrupt. The income tax is anything but stable. Over the years it has driven the earners (those paying most of the tax) out of state and the needers (those benefiting from the tax) drawn to the state. The result is a tax system that is a disaster.

When Dr. Paslov first started his column he appeared thoughtful and constructive even though I rarely agreed with him. I am disappointed that he has sunk to name calling instead of thought-provoking arguments.

LARRY MESSINA

Carson City