Jim Gibbons: The Nevada Race for Governor

Jim Gibbons was again unreachable; probably not the best idea considering that his opponent Bob Beers is getting a reputation for being a ‘people person’ unfortunately this seems like normal behavior for this particular candidate. Since a week has passed with numerous attempts to contact Gibbons for an interview have failed because he has much more ‘important’ things to do, I will update you via information on Jim Gibbons’ website and past interviews that he has so kindly showed up for.

Facts and Issues: #1

Healthcare is a major element in all governmental races, this is no different. Jim Gibbons was a strong supporter of the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act which provided a voluntary prescription drug benefit for our seniors for the first time in Medicare’s history.

“This act helps seniors to better afford their medications, will be offered to every Medicare recipient, provides comprehensive benefits and assistance for low income seniors, and modernizes Medicare by covering more preventative treatments, including cholesterol screening and disease management. “

Facts and Issues #2

Education is another key issue and the facts according to Jim: Jim Gibbons supported the bi-partisan No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act because for the first time, states and local school districts would have to report on how those dollars were being spent and whether the results of increased funding were paying off. Since NCLB has been signed into law Nevada has received an 81.3 percent increase in total education dollars, or 120 percent increase in education programs under NCLB.
“With the backing of the leaders in both parties, Gibbons introduced the Education First Initiative with his wife Dawn.

‘Education First’ would require the state legislature to fund the education budget of our state before anything else. The Nevada Constitution outlines that the state must fund one – and only one – requirement âÂ?¦ and that is the education of our kids. If our very Constitution requires education funding above all else, and if our parents and teachers require education funding above all else, shouldn’t politicians make our education funding our first priority âÂ?¦ not last? Jim and Dawn Gibbons worked to gather the necessary signatures to qualify Education First to appear on the ballot. In 2004, this important initiative was passed by a clear majority of the voters. It will be on the ballot again this year, and it is time we pass it once more, making it a part of our state’s Constitution. After all, education deserves to be first in line at budget time.”
This is basically his total stand on the issue of education.

Facts and Issues #3

As far as the taxes in Nevada this candidate for governor has fought for reducing and in some cases eliminating them. The one he is actively against is the Death Tax Permanency.

Families already pay taxes to the federal government during their living years, and then when they die they get taxed again. Under current law, the estate/death tax will be gradually phased out until 2010. Gibbons says he supports eliminating this unfair expense.
Gibbons says often that if he is elected Governor he will fight to reduce taxes for every Nevadan.

These are the only key issues that Gibbons is known for addressing. Had he been interested in informing the public through more interviews then maybe more serious facts could be presented to the voters.

But, all the voters that were at the 100th Anniversary of Minden were sure appreciative that Jim Gibbons showed up to present awards to Danny Yale and Aaron Pellegrini of the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra. It was a momentous occasion that was wonderfully entertaining.