Rory Reid: State has more options than just cut or tax

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rory Reid said Tuesday that Nevada has more choices in balancing the budget than just "cut or raise taxes."

"The conversation has been framed inappropriately," he said in an interview at Comma Coffee in Carson City. "We need to remake Nevada government so it's more efficient.

"To cut spending or raise taxes is way too narrow a view," he said.

He said his Republican opponent Brian Sandoval is saying he will balance the budget and cover the $3 billion projected shortfall by cutting state government.

"That's not possible," he said. "He wants Nevadans to believe two plus two equals five. I'm going to use real math."

Reid said his idea is to change how state government does business. As an example, he called for giving school districts and local governments more freedom to make their own choices.

Giving school districts local control, he said, has resulted in up to 20 percent reductions to administrative costs in other states and could achieve similar savings in Nevada. Not only that, he said the control over most education issues belongs with the principals, teachers and parents of school districts.

"We need reform in Nevada government and, in doing so, you will save hundreds of millions of dollars," Reid said.

He said another good example is the study of Nevada's numerous boards and commissions ordered by Gov. Jim Gibbons.

"I don't make a habit of agreeing with Jim Gibbons, but this is something that's right," he said.

He said his experience is much deeper than his Sandoval's in the skills needed to create reform.

"I have experience reforming government," he said. "Clark County has a budget as big as the state (general fund budget). I've been in charge of it eight years. I'm the only one running for governor who has any experience doing this."