WINNEMUCCA — In 1955 Nevada was featured in a national magazine as the state with booming tourism and some mining/agriculture – but with an education system no one was proud of and a poor social safety net.

“Sound familiar?” asked gubernatorial candidate Rory Reid during a recent local visit where he met with voters and promoted his economic platform.

“I’m running as the ‘man with the plan’ because I think it’s important we change the end of that story and we’re never going to do it if we don’t have an idea of what we want to do or what we want to be,” he said.

The plan focused on economic diversity – such as utilizing Nevada’s resources to develop alternative energy sources.

However, Reid acknowledged if the plan was going to be effective more would have to be done about Nevada’s failing schools.  Reid noted less than half of Nevada’s students graduate from high school and said, “That’s shameful.”

A fundamental new economy will have to have an educational system that is fundamental to all we do, he told the audience.  If new businesses are going to relocate to Nevada, they’re going to need some assurance there’s an educated workforce waiting.  More importantly, however, the people relocating to Nevada need reassured the school they’re kids will be attending are top notch.

“So the first thing we have to do is be converted to the fact education is foundational for the success of our state,” Reid said.  “Without a better education system we can’t get to where we’re going -- and that’s a fact.”

Reid called for less mandates from state and federal government and more local control,  which is largely how education is handled in other states -- by local school boards.

He also said too much time is taken up preparing kids to fill in little bubbles on far too many standardized tests.  He commented, “We’re testing the creativity out of our kids.”

Reid took questions from the audience. Right off the bat local resident Jack Bullock referenced to state of Nevada’s economy and asked why Reid would want the job.  Or anyone, for that matter. 

Reid said he saw this as a time when change can occur because people are worried about the future, they’re looking for change, and are open to new ideas to help diversify the economy and improve schools.

Reid promoted more local autonomy, which as a Clark County Commissioner he saw a first-hand need for, but a skeptical Mayor Di An Putnam wondered how he would be able to bring that about from state and federal government – who did not appear willing to let loose some of the authority they’ve acquired over time.

Reid said it was about time someone forced the argument and made the legislators publicly defend the control they retain.  He commented, “I think we need to have the debate, which we haven’t had because no one has provided the leadership and demanded it.”

While Mayor Putnam appreciated Reid’s background in local government, as opposed to so many governors who come to the job from federal positions, she expressed concern about the outcome.

“Something seems to change once you get that position,” she said. “Someone might start out saying these are the things that should be done, but all of a sudden when they get to Carson city it’s a different perspective,” she said.

“I won’t forget,” Reid promised.

Multiple audience members quizzed the candidate about the potential for an increase in taxes, but Reid repeatedly referred to the need to bring in new business to diversify the economy.

Resident Gordon Schumacher pointed out there’s a new grand casino being build in Singapore, and as a matter of fact new casinos are being built all over this country.  Where is the money going to come from, he asked, to improve education?

Reid reminded the audience that if Nevada had  pursued solar power several years ago,  those plants would already be generating income for the state’s coffers.  He commented, “You don’t need to raise taxes to generate more money.”  Reid added that many of his policy proposals are actually budget neutral.

Reid was critical of the current governor’s leadership and said, “No new taxes isn’t policy – it’s a political slogan.” 

“We’ll never fix the fiscal problems until we fix the economic ones,” he said.

Reid’s plan is, by no means, a quick fix.  There are no quick fixes and the state needs a long-term plan, he said.

The reception for Reid was hosted by the Humboldt County Democrats.  Reid was introduced by the chairman of the party, KC Harrison who praised Reid as the most qualified candidate for the job due to his long service on the Clark County Board of Commissioners -- whose budget is second only to the state's.

In attendance were several democratic party activists who said they knew little about the candidate before attending the reception.  Nicki Schumacher said she was impressed with candidate.  "I think he has a long-term vision for the state -- rather than fix things as they jump in front of us."

"He seems like a straight-shooter who doesn't play games," she added.

Don Rogers, the former central committee chairman also had praise for the candidate commented, "I like him ... he makes sense."

For more information:

Rory Reid: A New Economic Vision for Nevada