(Victor Joecks, Las Vegas Review-Journal) – Politicians’ reaction to the Review-Journal’s exposé on the systemic waste of tax dollars by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is a scandal in itself.
On Sunday, the RJ’s investigative team reported that LVCVA officials have spent millions of tax dollars on alcohol, travel, entertainment and gifts and that some elected officials on its oversight board are enjoying these spoils. LVCVA board Chairman Lawrence Weekly, a Clark County commissioner, admitted that some perks had “no business purpose,” while LVCVA officials excused other luxuries, like first-class flights and $40,000 in wine costing more than $100 a bottle, as “relationship building.” Wink-wink.
What happened next shows the problem goes far beyond government officials wasting millions of your dollars eating, drinking and indulging in luxuries.
Far from being outraged, some of Nevada’s top elected Republicans are waving the “nothing to see here, move along” flag.