(Mark Noonan) – With the gubernatorial election less than a year away, it seems that our declared candidates for Governor should offer us at least a clue about what they want to do, should they be elected. Certainly, our collapsing economy should be front and center in GOP plans. Unfortunately, it seems that our current GOP contenders are deaf to the needs of the moment.
Mike Montandon and Governor Gibbons make mention of building up Nevada’s renewable energy industry as an economic cure. Meanwhile, Brian Sandoval doesn’t have anything to say about the economy or what he might want to do about it. We’re in a economic crisis not seen since the 1930’s and the best our GOPers are offering is, what? That we’ll build windmills and solar panels?
This is supposed to inspire the party faithful? This is what will convince the surging TEA Party movement to back the Republican party? Where is the clarion call for action? On the economy, education, government reform, where are the Republicans in this race?
Gentlemen, we need far more than you’ve offered. Sure, its still a bit early, but there’s no time like the present to show us that you are running to do something for Nevada, rather than just running.
It isn’t going to be asked, “will you cut taxes?” Cutting taxes is a given. If you aren’t planning on tax cuts, don’t even bother running. Save your money and save our time. But we need to know: where will you cut taxes? How much? So, too, with spending. Don’t think you can get away without cutting spending – it has to be cut. Period. Where? How much? We need to know.
A large number of our schools are in terrible shape – and I don’t mean in physical shape (though a lot of them can use some repairs): I mean that whatever else is happening in the schools, learning seems to be a low priority. What are the plans for breaking the power of the teachers union, a mere adjunct of the Democrat party? What will you do to force through merit pay for teachers? School choice for parents? Discipline for delinquents who only ruin education for everyone else?
Nevada is slopping over with potential wealth, but 84% of our State is owned by Uncle Sam. What will you do to get the federal government to disgorge and give to Nevadans their own property? What are your plans to do with lands you do obtain? Is it to be for farming? Ranching? Mining? Manufacturing? Recreation?
We know that government is shot through with mismanagement and malfeasance. What are you going to do to root out corruption, regardless of who is involved? Will you allow an outside audit of all government agencies? Will you pledge to account for every single dime of taxpayer money to be spent while you are in office?
There is a near revolutionary ferment in the American electorate – especially in the center-right part of it. People are furious at the government and are demanding, once and for all, that it start to work for the people rather than for the well-connected. We Republicans can ride this wave to smashing victory in 2010, but only if we offer something. If we’re just a toned down version of the Democrats, then we’ll lose this great, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Our State needs help; our people are waiting for leadership. Come, now, Republican contenders – show us what you’ve got.
(Mr. Noonan co-publishes Blogs for Victory)
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