In case you missed it…

John Tsarpalas

Nevada legislature:

A bill before the Nevada Legislature aims to make the names of public employees in the state retirement system exempt from public-records requirements. The move to make PERS information secret and inaccessible by the public has been nearly universally denounced by transparency organizations and Nevada press outlets — primarily because it is “based upon unfounded fears,” and “weakens scrutiny of government fraud, abuse and waste,” according to the Reno Gazette-Journal’s most recent editorial. Notably, the entire RGJ editorial board agreed the bill was a bad idea — except for one member who, himself, is a public-employee retiree. (Read more)

 

Taxes and fiscal:

One bill working its way through the legislature has really fallen under most people’s radar. Senate Bill 149 would, ostensibly, open the way for a light rail line between McCarran International Airport and the Strip. But, in reality, it would allow local transportation agencies the ability to suggest commerce-tax increases for expensive new transportation-related projects. In other words: it would allow yet another government-funded agency to lobby for higher taxes on the local level. (Read more)

 

Cronyism:

Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak is confident that the new partially taxpayer-funded Raiders Stadium will be built by the beginning of the 2020 NFL season. In order to do that, however, Sisolak expects local spending on infrastructure projects to be accelerated. Moreover, everything related to the Raiders’ deal — including NFL schedules, team plans and other infrastructure-related projects — will have to be completed without any delays or distractions. (Read more)

 

Progressivism:

What does it mean to be “progressive” in politics? It’s a word that is often thrown around by politicians — and for good reason. After all, it sounds forward-thinking and compassionate, right? Well, judging by policy ideas and the effects of “progressive” initiatives, it might not be nearly as forward-thinking as people on the left believe it is. (Watch the video)

 

Education:

It’s hardly a surprise that there would be waste, fraud and abuse in the Clark County School District. But the extent to which this waste and abuse has cost taxpayers is positively astounding. In 2008, a private consultant who was being paid handsomely to help CCSD streamline their bureaucracy walked away from the project because the district refused to accept any of his important suggestions. Moreover, the higher-up responsible for deep-sixing his suggestions later found herself in hot water after taking over $20,000 in “sick leave” pay, while actually working fulltime for a county in another state. (Read more)

 

John Tsarpalas

John Tsarpalas

President

John Tsarpalas is the President of the Nevada Policy, and is deeply committed to spreading limited government ideas and policy to create a better, more prosperous Nevada for all.

For over three decades, John has educated others in the ideals and benefits of limited government. In the 1980s, John joined the Illinois Libertarian Party and served on its State Central Committee. Later in the 90s, he transitioned to the Republican Party, and became active in the Steve Forbes for President Campaign and flat taxes.

In 2005, he was recruited to become the Executive Director of the Illinois Republican Party where he graduated from the Republican National Committee’s Campaign College, the RNC’s Field Management School, and the Leadership Institute’s activist training.

Additionally, John has served as President of the Sam Adams Alliance and Team Sam where he did issue education and advocacy work in over 10 states, with a focus on the web.

John also founded or helped start the following educational not-for-profits: Think Freely Media, the Haym Salomon Center – where he served as Chairman, the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity and Midwest Speaking Professionals.

A native of Chicago, John now lives in Las Vegas with his wife of more than 40 years.