It turns out the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance isn't so global.
One week before the LVGEA hosts a "a robust and inclusive discussion" (touch me, feeeeel me) on education funding with the Clark County teachers union, two chambers (though, notably, not the Vegas one) and two legislative leaders, the lobbying arms of two critical special interests have sent stinging, not-so-inclusive letters to the head of the organization. In the pair of missives, which I have obtained, the Retail Association of Nevada and the Nevada Resort Association lacerated LVGEA boss Tom Skancke for his efforts to forge an education plan and made it clear he does not speak for them.
RAN boss Mary Lau criticized Skancke for an op-ed months ago in which he purported to speak for the business community and added that any negotiated solutions "are best served within the governing bodies of this state – not an organization whose mission does not include public policy."
The NRA's head, Virginia Valentine, wrote an even harsher letter, which concluded: "Let me be clear -- if you continue your discussions and perhaps your negotiations, you do not represent the NRA and its members, nor do we empower you to claim you represent the entire business community's position on this issue."
This pair of startling and obviously coordinated rebukes to the putative economic development group are without precedent in my experience, a clear effort at wing-clipping. And they clearly reflect a fear that Skancke and his organization, in attempting to take what they see as a lead on the issue, are undermining what Gov. Brian Sandoval and other interests are trying to accomplish.
I have solicited comment from all players. No luck since this morning.
It turns out the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance isn't so global.
One week before the LVGEA hosts a "a robust and inclusive discussion" (touch me, feeeeel me) on education funding with the Clark County teachers union, two chambers (though, notably, not the Vegas one) and two legislative leaders, the lobbying arms of two critical special interests have sent stinging, not-so-inclusive letters to the head of the organization. In the pair of missives, which I have obtained, the Retail Association of Nevada and the Nevada Resort Association lacerated LVGEA boss Tom Skancke for his efforts to forge an education plan and made it clear he does not speak for them.
RAN boss Mary Lau criticized Skancke for an op-ed months ago in which he purported to speak for the business community and added that any negotiated solutions "are best served within the governing bodies of this state – not an organization whose mission does not include public policy."
The NRA's head, Virginia Valentine, wrote an even harsher letter, which concluded: "Let me be clear -- if you continue your discussions and perhaps your negotiations, you do not represent the NRA and its members, nor do we empower you to claim you represent the entire business community's position on this issue."
This pair of startling and obviously coordinated rebukes to the putative economic development group are without precedent in my experience, a clear effort at wing-clipping. And they clearly reflect a fear that Skancke and his organization, in attempting to take what they see as a lead on the issue, are undermining what Gov. Brian Sandoval and other interests are trying to accomplish.
I have solicited comment from all players. No luck since this morning.
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