THE NINETY-FOURTH DAY
Carson City(Wednesday), May 9, 2001
Senate called to order at 11:41 a.m.
President Hunt presiding.
Roll called.
All present except Senator Washington, who was excused.
Prayer by the Chaplain, Pastor Stan Pesis.
Lord God, we give You thanks for all the gifts with which You surround us in our lives; our spouse, children, daily work, the wonder of Your creation, friends and colleagues and all those who assist us in our work. We also give You thanks for those who have come before us and who served as examples for our lives, especially Woodrow Wilson. Help us to learn from their lives how to lead and govern Your people.
Amen.
Pledge of allegiance to the Flag.
Senator Raggio moved that further reading of the Journal be dispensed with, and the President and Secretary be authorized to make the necessary corrections and additions.
Motion carried.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Madam President:
Your Committee on Commerce and Labor, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 337, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Also, your Committee on Commerce and Labor, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 160, 384, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass, and place on Consent Calendar.
Randolph J. Townsend, Chairman
Madam President:
Your Committee on Finance, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 183, 549, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Also, your Committee on Finance, to which was re-referred Senate Bill No. 560, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass, as amended.
Also, your Committee on Finance, to which were re-referred Senate Bills Nos. 307, 320, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.
William J. Raggio, Chairman
Madam President:
Your Committee on Government Affairs, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 56, 59, 61, 96, 99, 101, 299, 538, 663, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Also, your Committee on Government Affairs, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 60, 180, 487, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.
Also, your Committee on Government Affairs, to which was referred Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 6, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and be adopted as amended.
Ann O'Connell, Chairman
Madam President:
Your Committee on Human Resources and Facilities, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 28, 497; Assembly Joint Resolution No. 26 of the 70th Session, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Also, your Committee on Human Resources and Facilities, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 130, 634, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass, and place on Consent Calendar.
Raymond D. Rawson, Chairman
Madam President:
Your Committee on Natural Resources, to which were referred Assembly Bills Nos. 200, 631; Assembly Joint Resolution No. 7, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman
Madam President:
Your Committee on Taxation, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 657, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
Also, your Committee on Taxation, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 455, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Amend, and do pass as amended.
Mike McGinness, Chairman
Madam President:
Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred Assembly Bill No. 481, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back with the recommendation: Do pass.
William R. O'Donnell, Chairman
MESSAGES FROM THE ASSEMBLY
Assembly Chamber, Carson City, May 7, 2001
To the Honorable the Senate:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed Senate Bills Nos. 74, 155, 159, 161, 304, 318, 350, 373, 470, 512; Senate Joint Resolution No. 2.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed, as amended, Assembly Bills Nos. 15, 291.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day adopted Senate Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 37, 38.
Patricia R. Williams
Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly
Assembly Chamber, Carson City, May 8, 2001
To the Honorable the Senate:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day passed Assembly Bills Nos. 569, 662; Senate Bills Nos. 15, 32, 114, 248, 323, 374, 501.
Also, I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly amended, and on this day passed, as amended, Senate Bill No. 36, Amendment No. 597; Senate Bill No. 77, Amendment No. 667, and respectfully requests your honorable body to concur in said amendments.
Patricia R. Williams
Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly
Assembly Chamber, Carson City, May 9, 2001
To the Honorable the Senate:
I have the honor to inform your honorable body that the Assembly on this day adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 32, 33.
Patricia R. Williams
Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly
WAIVERS AND EXEMPTIONS
Waiver Of Joint Standing Rule(s)
A Waiver requested by Assembly Select Committee on Energy.
For: Assembly Bill No. 661.
To Waive:
Subsection 1 of Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3 (out of final committee of house of origin by 71st day).
Subsection 2 of Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3 (out of house of origin by 82nd day).
Subsection 3 of Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3 (out of final committee of 2nd house by 106th day).
Subsection 4 of Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3 (out of 2nd house by 113th day).
With the following conditions:
May only be passed out of final committee of house of origin on or before May 10, 2001.
May only be passed out of house of origin on or before May 16, 2001.
May only be passed out of final committee of second house on or before May 26, 2001.
May only be passed out of second house on or before May 31, 2001.
Has been granted effective: May 4, 2001.
William J. Raggio Richard D. Perkins
MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES
By Senators Raggio, Amodei, Care, Carlton, Coffin, Jacobsen, James, Mathews, McGinness, Neal, O'Connell, O'Donnell, Porter, Rawson, Rhoads, Schneider, Shaffer, Titus, Townsend, Washington, Wiener; Assemblymen Dini, Anderson, Angle, Arberry, Bache, Beers, Berman, Brower, Brown, Buckley, Carpenter, Cegavske, Chowning, Claborn, Collins, de Braga, Freeman, Gibbons, Giunchigliani, Goldwater, Gustavson, Hettrick, Humke, Koivisto, Lee, Leslie, Manendo, Marvel, McClain, Mortenson, Neighbors, Nolan, Oceguera, Ohrenschall, Parks, Parnell, Perkins, Price, Smith, Tiffany, Von Tobel and Williams:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 39—Recognizing the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of permanent, non-Indian settlements in Dayton, Genoa and Carson City, Nevada.
Whereas, In 1851, the western portion of the Utah Territory that now encompasses Carson City and Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties saw the beginnings of the first settlements by courageous pioneers adventuring west to explore the frontiers of America and find new places to make their fortunes or raise their families; and
Whereas, This area of the present State of Nevada has a history rich with the stories of prospectors, traders and settlers who came in search of their dreams and stayed to brave the cold winters and arid summers to make Nevada their home; and
Whereas, The Town of Dayton traces its history to 1849 with the discovery of gold at the mouth of Gold Canyon by Abner Blackburn, who was forced to leave when provisions ran low but whose discovery brought other fortune seekers who would stay in the area and build their lives on the Comstock; and
Whereas, During the winter of 1850, James “Old Virginny” Finney lived in his make-shift shelter at the mouth of Gold Canyon and by the spring of 1851 was joined by as many as 200 miners who settled in the area which became known as Hall’s Station because the residents were supplied by the trading post built by Spafford Hall of Indiana; and
Whereas, Hall’s Station, grew and prospered, became known as Chinatown because of the many Chinese who lived there and worked the placer claims in the canyon, and in 1861, it became the first county seat of Lyon County and was renamed Dayton in honor of John Day who laid out the town and later became Surveyor General of Nevada; and
Whereas, The Town of Genoa traces its history back to 1848 when it was an early campsite on the Emigrant Trail to California and 1850 when its first permanent structures, a roofless log enclosure and corral, were built; and
Whereas, In 1851, John Reese and 16 other men arrived in present-day Genoa with 13 wagons to build a permanent trading post, known first as Reese’s Station and later as Mormon Station, that led to the settlement of the town which became the nucleus of a small farming population; and
Whereas, In 1854, this settlement, renamed Genoa in 1855, was proclaimed the seat of Carson County, Utah Territory, and, with the organization of the Nevada Territory in 1861, was established as the county seat of Douglas County, a position it retained until 1916; and
Whereas, Carson City was first established in 1851 as Eagle Station, a trading post and small ranch on the Carson Branch of the Emigrant Trail, and was settled over the next few years by Mormon colonizers who were called back to Salt Lake City by Brigham Young in 1857; and
Whereas, In 1858, Abraham Curry and several business partners bought Eagle Station, laid out the town and named it in honor of John C. Fremont’s most celebrated frontier scout, Kit Carson; and
Whereas, With the discovery of the Comstock Lode the following year, Carson City was brought to life as a freight and transportation center and, true to the prediction of Abraham Curry albeit with some shrewd political maneuvering on his part, was selected as the territorial capital in 1861 and was confirmed as the state capital when Nevada was granted statehood in 1864; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the members of the 71st session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby recognize the 150th anniversary of the establishment of permanent, non-Indian settlements in Dayton, Genoa and Carson City and applaud the efforts of those who are working to honor the memory of the traders, explorers and prospectors who led the way, and the men and women who followed, to work the mines, plant crops, raise livestock and raise families in what is now the great State of Nevada; and be it further
Resolved, That the residents of Nevada are urged to join in the celebrations as our history is remembered and relived during Dayton Founder’s Day: Dayton’s 150th Birthday Party, honoring pioneer women, to be held May 26 and 27, 2001, the events leading up to and the grand finale of Genoa’s Sesquicentennial Celebration to be held on June 3 and 4, 2001, and the many events held annually in Carson City that recognize its unique history; and be it further
Resolved, That these celebrations renew our pride in the state we call home and rekindle in each of us the spirit of adventure and courage that is the legacy left to us by these first settlers; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Genoa Sesquicentennial Committee, the Dayton Historic Society and the Carson City Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.
Senator Raggio moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senators Raggio, Rawson, O'Donnell and Jacobsen.
Senator Raggio requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Raggio:
Madam President, this is the fastest growing state in the nation. Today, we have a population of just under two million people. It is appropriate to step back in time and recognize the legacy that very few individuals created when they set foot here in 1848, 1850 and 1851 in what would become the State of Nevada. There is still some argument about which was the first non-Indian settlement in this State.
This resolution reflects upon the past by indicating that the Dayton area has grown beyond people’s expectations. It was formerly known as Hall’s Station. It was named after a gentleman from Indiana. In 1850 “Old Virginny” Finney set up a shelter at Gold Canyon and 200 people moved in. That was a pretty large place at that time. Later it became known as China Town because the Chinese lived there while they worked in the mines. Lyon County was formed and became the county seat. The first Surveyor General of the State was named Day. My mother was born in Dayton, and I had always wondered where the name came from. There is a dispute going on between Genoa and Dayton as to which was the first non-Indian settlement. Genoa was known as Reese’s Station and later as Mormon Station. Carson City was established in 1851 as Eagle Station. Now the valley is known as Eagle Valley. It is appropriate that we adopt this resolution. It draws attention to the fact that a lot has intervened between the time that the first non-Indian people came to this State.
Some celebrations are planned. Dayton has Founder’s Day and is celebrating its 150th birthday party honoring pioneer women later this month. If you go and attend any of the events, you will find them to be very entertaining.
I never knew if Genoa was named after Genoa, Italy, but I am assuming, as usual, the Italians led the way. There is a Sesquicentennial Celebration being held there on June 3 and 4, 2001. Carson City has many events planned.
It is appropriate that we adopt this resolution and we recognize this heritage and those adventuresome persons who led the way into what was pretty barren country. You can look around this State and see what they left for us and what was developed.
We owe them a lot of thanks, and this resolution memorializes all of those contributions.
Senator Rawson:
Thank you, Madam President. I did not realize that this resolution was scheduled for today. My progenitors, David Pettigrew and Elizabeth Alden, were in one of the first groups that settled in the area of Genoa in 1851. Then, I think, that they left their land to the Italians when they were called back to Salt Lake City in 1857. They did establish a small farm in that area and farmed it for a number of years. I have read through their diaries, and it sounded like a wonderful area at that time and a beautiful place to raise a family. I just wanted to make a note of that. Elizabeth Alden was a descendant of Priscilla and John Alden of the famous stories.
Senator O'Donnell:
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of this resolution because I notice that James Finney was Irish.
Senator Jacobsen:
Madam President and members of the Senate, I certainly rise in support of the resolution. I cannot believe how important resolutions are to both you and to me and especially if you are a native of the area and grew up with it. In my case, being born in Douglas County, I delivered in Dayton for 40 years and got to know the people there. Carson City was our neighbor and competitor. It is interesting to note, and I cannot explain how these communities started, but I have always been amazed with Genoa. If you have noticed, the sun goes down there at about three o’clock in the afternoon. The only thing to do was to go to bed, and that is why the population grew so fast.
Dayton has some of the same kind of history, and their pride was in the kind of wine they made. I was a participant in that. I remember driving home on occasion and hardly knew that I was driving the truck due to sampling the wine.
Carson City was a unit all of its own and being the capital, especially, all of the school children really thought that Carson City was the “cat’s meow.” They were able to come to the old Chamber and visit like the students we have here today. All of these things are important. It serves to remind each and everyone of us of how important the old days were. That is why we are here today and why this State is so important. It has a grand history behind it and still continues to be a real important state among the fifty states.
Resolution adopted.
Senator Raggio moved that all rules be suspended and that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 39 be immediately transmitted to the Assembly.
Motion carried unanimously.
By the Committee on Government Affairs:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40—Declaring that certain regulations to which the Legislative Commission has objected will not become effective.
Senator O'Connell moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senator O'Connell.
Resolution adopted.
Senator O'Connell moved that all rules be suspended and that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40 be immediately transmitted to the Assembly.
Motion carried unanimously.
By Senators Porter, Amodei, Care, Carlton, Coffin, Jacobsen, James, Mathews, McGinness, Neal, O'Connell, O'Donnell, Raggio, Rawson, Rhoads, Schneider, Shaffer, Titus, Townsend, Washington, Wiener; Assemblymen Brown, Anderson, Angle, Arberry, Bache, Beers, Berman, Brower, Buckley, Carpenter, Cegavske, Chowning, Claborn, Collins, de Braga, Dini, Freeman, Gibbons, Giunchigliani, Goldwater, Gustavson, Hettrick, Humke, Koivisto, Lee, Leslie, Manendo, Marvel, McClain, Mortenson, Neighbors, Nolan, Oceguera, Ohrenschall, Parks, Parnell, Perkins, Price, Smith, Tiffany, Von Tobel and Williams:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 41—Recognizing May 9, 2001, as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Day.
Whereas, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder characterized by memory loss, language deterioration, poor judgment and indifferent attitude, but preserved motor function; and
Whereas, Approximately 4 million Americans now suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, including approximately 1 in every 10 persons over 65 years of age and nearly half of those persons over 85 years of age; and
Whereas, At the current rate of incidence, it is estimated that 14 million Americans will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease by the middle of this century; and
Whereas, A person with Alzheimer’s disease will live an average of 8 years and may live as long as 20 years or more after the onset of symptoms; and
Whereas, More than 7 out of 10 persons with Alzheimer’s disease live at home, with care being provided by family and friends; and
Whereas, At some point, an Alzheimer’s victim will require 24-hour care, including assistance with such daily activities as eating, grooming and toileting; and
Whereas, It has been estimated that expenses for the diagnosis, care and treatment of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease amount to at least $100 billion each year; and
Whereas, Much of the amount necessary for the care and treatment of Alzheimer’s patients is not compensated by Medicare, including the cost of most prescription drugs and long-term care; and
Whereas, Alzheimer’s disease is the third most expensive illness in the United States, behind only heart disease and cancer; and
Whereas, Statistics show that if scientists can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by just 5 years, the number of persons contracting the disease can be reduced by half, thus saving this country billions of dollars in healthcare costs; and
Whereas, While a cure for Alzheimer’s disease has yet to be found, the Food and Drug Administration just recently approved a new drug for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of this disease, with the brand name Reminyl, which helps to improve the cognitive performance and daily functioning of patients; and
Whereas, The Alzheimer’s Association, through its national network of more than 200 chapters, provides support to patients, families and caregivers, educates both the general public and health professionals about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, and supports research endeavors with the hope of finding a cure; and
Whereas, The Northern Nevada Chapter and Southern Nevada Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association provide support to an estimated 35,000 persons with Alzheimer’s disease in this state; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the Nevada Legislature is committed to creating a greater public understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and to supporting the need for continued research; and be it further
Resolved, That May 9, 2001, is hereby recognized as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Day.
Senator Porter moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senators Porter and James.
Senator Porter requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Porter:
Thank you, Madam President. There are very few of us in this room and in this State that have not experienced the pain, suffering and the challenges, for not only our family members but friends, from this dreaded disease. Today is a special day in that we are recognizing May 9 as “Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Day” in Nevada.
The resolution points out specifically the disease’s impacts. If we talk about the 35 thousand Nevada residents that suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, it brings the message home and close to everyone of us. The resolution points out this number could increase over the years because Nevada has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the country. Over 4 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease, and 19 million said they have a family member who suffers from this disease.
I have a dear friend in the community of Boulder City who has this disease and it impacts his wife, his family and his kids. I’m sure we all have friends that suffer from this debilitating disease; we could list names of those suffering. But the reason we are here today is to celebrate those that are volunteering and making such a difference in all these lives. Madam President, I encourage everyone’s support for this resolution.
Senator James:
Thank you Madam President. I rise in support of this resolution. I could not let this resolution go by without saying something. My family has been through the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease in particular a peculiarly devastating form of Alzheimer’s disease that begins when you are in your 40s called Pick’s Syndrome. It is an early onset of Alzheimer’s disease in which the symptoms, which traditionally come later in life, begins so early that the disease runs its full course, and the disease is terminal. It is a terrible and insidious disease. I would rise in support of the resolution and thank those whom we are honoring here today who have volunteered to try and help with research and care for those who are stricken.
Resolution adopted.
Senator Porter moved that all rules be suspended and that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 41 be immediately transmitted to the Assembly.
Motion carried unanimously.
Madam President announced that if there were no objections, the Senate would recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Senate in recess at 12:09 p.m.
SENATE IN SESSION
At 12:12 p.m.
President Hunt presiding.
Quorum present.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 32—Memorializing former Assemblyman and civil rights leader Woodrow Wilson.
Whereas, The members of the Nevada Legislature were deeply saddened by the death on December 25, 1999, of former Assemblyman Woodrow Wilson; and
Whereas, Woodrow Wilson was born in Morton, Mississippi, on August 28, 1915, and moved to Las Vegas in 1942; and
Whereas, Woodrow Wilson graduated from Piney Woods Junior College in Mississippi in 1934, after working his way through school by playing semiprofessional baseball; and
Whereas, After arriving in Las Vegas, Woodrow Wilson began working for American Potash and Chemical Corporation, now Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, and was employed there for 38 years, retiring as a foreman; and
Whereas, Woodrow Wilson served as President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and was appointed in 1957 to serve as Chairman of the Nevada State Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; and
Whereas, In 1966, Woodrow Wilson was elected to the Assembly, becoming the first African American to be elected to the Nevada Legislature; and
Whereas, As a Legislator for three terms, Woodrow Wilson was credited with pushing through the Nevada Fair Housing Law that outlawed discriminatory practices in the sale of homes, and he helped pass legislation that mandated fair employment practices, vocational education and improved benefits for injured workers; and
Whereas, Woodrow Wilson served as Chairman of the Nevada Equal Rights Commission and was a member of the Nevada State Commission on Crime, Delinquency and Correction, Clark County Commission, Clark County Economic Opportunity Board, Executive Board of the Boulder Dam Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Las Vegas Kiwanis Club and Board of Trustees of the United Way of Clark County; and
Whereas, Woodrow Wilson was honored in 1971 as a Distinguished Nevadan by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and in 1982, he received the Jack of Hearts award, which recognizes outstanding service to the Republican Party and the community; and
Whereas, Woodrow Wilson was the co-founder of the Westside Federal Credit Union and worked as its treasurer-manager for 42 years, remaining on its Board of Directors until his death; and
Whereas, Woodrow Wilson’s daughter JoAnn Conners paid tribute to her father by describing him as “a civil rights leader, freedom fighter, community leader, bank founder and equal rights organizer”; and
Whereas, Woodrow Wilson gained the admiration and respect of Nevadans for his lifelong commitment to the protection of equal rights of all Americans, regardless of color; and
Whereas, Woodrow Wilson is survived by his wife, Addie Mae, son, Carl Wilson, daughters, JoAnn Conners, Rose Berry, Janice Murray, Casandra Berry and Stephanie Lowery, all of Las Vegas, sister, Ollie Savage of Hawthorne, California, brother, O’Dell Nicholes of Las Vegas, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the members of the Nevada Legislature note the loss of Assemblyman Woodrow Wilson with profound sorrow; and be it further
Resolved, That Woodrow Wilson will long be remembered as a man who fought hard for equal justice for all and dedicated his life to helping Blacks throughout the State of Nevada; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Woodrow Wilson’s loving wife, Addie Mae.
Senator Neal moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senators Neal and Raggio.
Senator Neal requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Neal:
Madam President, I first met Woodrow Wilson in 1954. We didn’t develop a friendship until after I had gone to school and was in the Army and came back to Nevada. At that time, Woody, as we called him, was engaged in the National Civil Rights Commission. He traveled all over the State and in many parts of the country to carry out his mission.
Woody was a long-time Republican. He joined the Republican Party while he was in Mississippi and remained a Republican after he came to Nevada. When he first joined the party, he did so in protest against a Democratic gentleman by the name of Bilbo. Bilbo was an arch segregationist, and Woody could not serve in a party that had such a person as Bilbo as a member. As he moved westward, he found many with a like spirit in the Republican Party, and he remained in the party even though many Blacks in the community, in which he settled on the West side, were Democrats.
Woody was asked in 1966 to run for the Assembly by then Lt. Governor, Paul Laxalt. Woody decided that he would do it. Prior to that time, Flora Duncan and many others had challenged the 17 Senators and the two Assemblymen for each county. The power had shifted politically from the small counties to the Las Vegas area. We had a group of Assemblymen to run “at large.” Woody got into the race for Assemblyman, and he always came in at the bottom of the nine people. The Democrats in the area would always vote for him just to lift him up to make up the nine who were elected. He went on to serve the Republican Party in the area he represented with distinction until 1971 when we had reapportionment again. It was at that time we created the open seat in the Senate. Woody and I had become very good friends. I traveled with him all over the State. He had taken me to various places. We had one person we did not want to run or to win this particular seat. Woody and I made a deal. I would run for the Democratic side and he would run on the Republican side. I didn’t have any money. I had about $500 to spend on that race. I won. No one was more surprised that I was when I won. Woody had spent three terms in the Legislature and had an impeccable record of service. No one understood the deal that was made. After that, he went on, and I helped him, to become Clark County Commissioner. No one figured out what was going on; they just thought I had beat Woody in this particular race, not that we had this plan that we would run together and whoever won that would be it.
Woody, as the resolution indicates, went on to serve in the County Commission, though there were some problems, he served his community well. One of the things that we always recognized about Woody was that he never left the community he settled in on the West side. For all of his life in Nevada, he stayed in the community. We always appreciated that. He never left his people and his community. He tried to do the best he could in terms of serving his constituents. I am pleased to offer this resolution in recognition of the service Woodrow Wilson rendered to this State. I hope you adopt this resolution.
Senator Raggio:
Thank you Madam President. I would also like to honor the memory of Woody Wilson. I did not have the privilege of serving with him in the Legislature as Senator Neal indicated—his term ended as our terms began. I did know Woody from a time before, during the administration of Paul Laxalt when he was Governor and even before when he served as Lieutenant Governor. Lt. Governor Laxalt and a lot of us who worked in the Republican Party at that time were responsible for encouraging candidates, among them Woody Wilson. It was a little bit unusual and unexpected to suggest that an African-American run and especially a Republican; they were hard to find at that time, to run for the Assembly. Part of it was that he was an engaging individual, charming, low key, easy to be around and a delightful person. I certainly enjoyed working with him in the “grass roots” of the Republican Party. At that time, I was a district attorney, and I would appear over in the other building and got to know Woody as a member of the Legislature. He certainly did speak for his community and those who he represented. He was always willing to work with people, always willing to work together and to seek a common goal. He was a great credit during his time of service here in the Legislature. If former Governor Laxalt were here today he would add to and endorse what I’m saying. I enjoyed knowing Woody, and I am pleased to rise to recognize his efforts.
Resolution adopted.
Resolution ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 33—Designating May 20 through May 26, 2001, as U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Navy Armed Guard Remembrance Week.
Whereas, The U.S. Merchant Marine has faithfully served our country in times of war and peace, transporting troops, weaponry, supplies and equipment to every corner of the world; and
Whereas, The Merchant Marine has helped win wars and maintain peace by providing necessary materials, food and supplies to assist many other nations in rebuilding their countries and economies; and
Whereas, During World War II, the Merchant Marine transported troops and delivered 75 percent of all military equipment and supplies to battle fronts throughout the world in the face of attacks by the enemy and violent seas, without the benefit of sonar equipment to enable them to detect the enemy; and
Whereas, Of the relatively small volunteer force of about 250,000 during World War II, at least 8,651 Merchant Mariners were killed at sea, over 11,000 were wounded with 1,100 dying from wounds, and 604 were taken as prisoners of war of whom 61 died in POW camps; and
Whereas, For their heroic efforts during World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt recognized the Merchant Mariners as an essential part of the history of the country’s sea power and said the Mariners “have written one of its most brilliant chapters. They have delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult and dangerous job ever undertaken. As time goes on, there will be greater public understanding of our merchant’s fleet record during this war”; and
Whereas, The U.S. Navy Armed Guard was established to protect the Merchant Marine ships from enemy ships, aircraft and submarines by providing gunnery protection and communication services; and
Whereas, Many of the members of the Navy Armed Guard had never seen the ocean before being assigned to a Merchant Marine ship, yet they served side-by-side with the Mariners under difficult and extremely dangerous circumstances, often without a doctor on board the ship; and
Whereas, The U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Navy Armed Guard worked as a team to provide a vital link between our fighting forces overseas and the home front, each suffering one of the highest ratios of death among the armed services in World War II, with many being lost at sea, their fates unknown; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the Legislature does hereby designate May 20 through May 26, 2001, as U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Navy Armed Guard Remembrance Week; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature encourages all Nevadans to join in this observance, to coincide with National Maritime Day on May 22; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Bill Erin, Secretary of the Las Vegas Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, for appropriate distribution to all Nevada media and interested organizations.
Senator Shaffer moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senators Shaffer and Jacobsen.
Senator Shaffer requested that the following remarks be entered in the Journal.
Senator Shaffer:
Thank you, Madam President. The groups we are recognizing today are the unsung heroes of many, many conflicts and wars. People do not realize that once you depart from the United States, you are in a foreign country. Someone has to make sure that you have supplies coming. There are no supermarkets out there. You have to depend on someone to make sure that you get supplies and that you are going to get back out. I spent about three years in the Marine Corps. I am fully aware of what they do, and I am sure many of my colleagues also are. We understand the importance of this operation. Most of us here today have no idea what these people do during wartime. I feel that it is most appropriate that we honor them, today, since May 20 to May 26, 2001, is United States Merchant Marine and United States Navy Armed Guard Remembrance Week. I hope that they will continue to do the fine job that they have been doing for as long as I can remember.
Senator Jacobsen:
Thank you, Madam President. I would be remiss if I did not say something in their regard. Believe it or not, they were our meal ticket. I served in the Navy prior to World War II and out in the Philippines, the rations were never very good. The only thing that I objected to was that at one time we had spent 104 days at sea and did not see land and ran out of food. The first shipment we got was Spam. I don’t know how many of you have eaten Spam. I did for about a year, one meal after another. It is not too appetizing.
The ship I served on flew a 100-mile triangle to see who was out there. Mostly, we were looking for the enemy, but I can’t tell you how many times we saw one of our own going down. We had no ability to rescue the crew or anything like that because we were flying airplanes with pontoons that could land on the ocean, but if the water was rough, we might not be able to take off.
I don’t think there was anybody we enjoyed seeing more than the Merchant Marine. They brought our oil, our food. The only thing they would not take from us were the dead people we had aboard ship that had been killed in some of the attacks. They were stored in the food locker. We had a lot of guys who would not go to chow. But if you are hungry enough, nothing will stop you from eating. They performed a service that was invaluable. We could not have won the war without them. They were our mainstay, and when we were running low on food and other supplies, the saviors always showed up, day or night, and put themselves in jeopardy because of the submarines. They performed a service that was just unbelievable. They certainly have my undying gratitude for all the things they did for us. In some of the areas I served in, they were always the front line. On a few occasions, we even deserted them because we were in jeopardy too. You would have had to have been there to see the duties they performed. When the war first started, they did not have a shotgun or a pistol—no protection at all. On most occasions, we could not protect them because we were there for a different purpose. They were our mainstay and our meal ticket.
Resolution adopted.
Resolution ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 24.
Senator Rawson moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senator Rawson.
Resolution adopted.
Resolution ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 7.
Senator Rawson moved the adoption of the resolution.
Remarks by Senator Rawson.
Resolution adopted.
Resolution ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING AND REFERENCE
Assembly Bill No. 15.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 291.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 569.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Government Affairs.
Motion carried.
Assembly Bill No. 662.
Senator Rawson moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion carried.
SECOND READING AND AMENDMENT
Senate Bill No. 505.
Bill read second time and ordered to third reading.
GENERAL FILE AND THIRD READING
Senate Bill No. 367.
Bill read third time.
Remarks by Senators Neal and Rawson.
Roll call on Senate Bill No. 367:
Yeas—20.
Nays—None.
Excused—Washington.
Senate Bill No. 367 having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed, as amended.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
Assembly Bill No. 155.
Bill read third time.
Roll call on Assembly Bill No. 155:
Yeas—20.
Nays—None.
Excused—Washington.
Assembly Bill No. 155 having received a constitutional majority, Madam President declared it passed.
Bill ordered transmitted to the Assembly.
MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES
Senator James moved that Assembly Bill No. 135 be taken from the Secretary's desk and placed on the General File.
Remarks by Senator James.
Motion carried
GENERAL FILE AND THIRD READING
Assembly Bill No. 135.
Bill read third time.
The following amendment was proposed by Senator James:
Amendment No. 662.
Amend sec. 6, page 2, by deleting sec. 6 and inserting:
“Sec. 6. (Deleted by amendment.)”.
Amend the title of the bill by deleting the sixth through eighth lines and inserting: “defining the duties of the fraud control unit; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.”
Senator James moved the adoption of the amendment.
Remarks by Senators James, Neal, Coffin and Townsend.
Conflict of interest declared by Senator Porter.
Amendment adopted.
Bill ordered reprinted, re-engrossed and to third reading.
MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES
Senator Raggio moved that Assembly Bills Nos. 259, 266, 361, 400, 427, 535, 542, 582, 586; Assembly Joint Resolution No. 12, Assembly Joint Resolution No. 13 of the 70th Session, be taken from the General File and placed on the General File for the next legislative day.
Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Signing of Bills and Resolutions
There being no objections, the President and Secretary signed Senate Bills Nos. 17, 118, 203; Assembly Bills Nos. 11, 13, 30, 38, 55, 62, 98, 100, 126, 134, 148, 149, 152, 181, 203, 204, 290, 301, 310, 335, 406, 570, 621, 656; Assembly Joint Resolution No. 6; Assembly Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 28, 29, 30.
REMARKS FROM THE FLOOR
Senator Porter requested that his remarks be entered in the Journal.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to thank everyone who helped put together the softball game last week—my staff: Maureen Schafer and Joshua Martinez for their hard work, Rayna Wortman for her efforts in making sure that everyone was reminded about the game, many times; to our Sergeant at Arms, Sam Palazzolo, for everything that he did, to Lucas Watson for the Assembly team; to the ground staff, Mat Beaty and Paul Willis who operated the barbecue and also to the company that produced the t-shirts. We sold about 96 t-shirts, which were provided by Hina’s Textiles owned by Mr. Khalid Khan from Las Vegas.
GUESTS EXTENDED PRIVILEGE OF SENATE FLOOR
On request of Senator Amodei, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to the following students from the Bethlehem Lutheran School: Scott Banks, Krystyne Basa, Scott Baxter, Alli Collier, Steven French, Rebecca Gansberg, Sedona Hopkins, Rachel Kerswill, Anjali Ketcher, Duncan Langguth, Colleen Meritt, Brady Roser, Emily Sullivan, Bethany White; chaperones: Sheila Merritt, Sandi Archibald and teacher: Linda Archibald.
On request of Senator Porter, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Nancy Hara-Isa and Don Hauth.
On request of Senator Raggio, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Dorothy Souza and Joan Gibb.
On request of Senator Shaffer, the privilege of the floor of the Senate Chamber for this day was extended to Bill Erin and Joe Dazzo.
Senator Raggio moved that the Senate adjourn until Friday, May 11, 2001 at 10:30 a.m.
Motion carried.
Senate adjourned at 1:01 p.m.
Approved:Lorraine T. Hunt
President of the Senate
Attest: Claire J. Clift