Two weeks ago, more than 50 local citizens gathered in Fallon to meet with Rory Reid, democratic candidate for governor. Reid is traveling all over Nevada, talking to people about his new vision for Nevada. His 30-page plan explains this vision, lists the many unique resources Nevada has and lays out a strategy for using our resources to create new jobs and develop an economy that will not only help us survive but prosper.
Reid began by describing his background as a native Nevadan who loves this state. In 2002, he was elected to the Clark County Commission and appointed chairman in 2005. He was re-elected to the commission in 2006,and appointed chairman again. He explained that as chairman, he administers a budget that is almost as big and complicated as the state's. When problems arise, the goal is to identify the problem, then find the people who can solve it. The ultimate aim is solving problems, not playing partisan politics. With his experience in Clark County, Reid believes he has the skills needed to get our state out of the economic crisis we are currently experiencing.
Reid said that the role of a governor is to accurately describe problems, and then explain clearly how to get from where we are to where we need to be. In other words, to lead. Many of Nevada's current problems are the result of poor planning, of thinking that if we keep on doing the same things, we can get different results. To get different, better results, we have to begin thinking in new ways, ways that plan for the future and anticipate problems that may develop. Reid believes that if we use our resources wisely, Nevada can create a stable, flourishing economy, one that will provide jobs for us and our children and keep us from falling back into the boom-and-bust cycle we experience too often.
We have to be realistic about what we face. Our economy is currently based on tourism, which can be very unpredictable. We have a strong mining industry, but again, that fluctuates with metal prices. Nevada has other great resources that, up to now, haven't been utilized as they could be, and they are part of Reid‘s plan.
Nevada gets 300 days of sunlight, and 80 percent of our land is owned by the federal government, mostly undeveloped. If we developed solar power to produce 2000 megawatts of electricity, that would add $13 billion to our economy, with $1.3 billion to the state treasury.
Nevada has great geothermal capacity. Developing that capacity would produce electricity for export. We could also become a leader in geothermal research and development, and provide incentives to geothermal manufacturers to come to Nevada, creating jobs and export products.
Among Nevada's greatest resources are her people. Reid said that Nevada has one of the highest rates of computer-literate people in the country. With these skills, Nevada could be poised to become a leader in computer technology and data storage. To make this a reality, though, it is necessary to improve our educational system. Currently, we rank 50th. That is unacceptable both for the people who live here now, and for companies who may plan to locate here. A first-rate educational system is necessary for continued economic improvement.
With our 24/7 lifestyle, we are already positioned to provide services to companies around the world. Nevada is also a safe place for companies to store data, since we have no tornadoes or hurricanes, and earthquake protection can be built into any system.
We are also in a perfect geographical location for warehousing and shipping goods. Our incorporation laws make it very attractive for companies to base themselves here. One positive side effect of all these types of companies is that while they would provide good jobs for Nevada citizens, they would not require huge amounts of water, which will clearly be a major consideration in any plan for growth.
Reid concluded by saying that there are three ways for any society to fix its fiscal problems: Grow the economy; cut spending; or raise taxes. No one wants to raise taxes, and budget cuts are already crippling many of our institutions. Growing the economy would provide jobs and money our state desperately needs. The kind of growth we need will only happen if people make a plan, think it through carefully, and follow it. That should supersede any partisan politics. It's up to us to see if we can do that.